Tinubu Dares Opposition, Says He Won't Be Intimidated

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday pushed back against opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that he would not be intimidated by what he described as a political "gang-up" against his administration. Speaking at the State House while hosting the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a group tasked with promoting his administration's policies nationwide, the President said he remained resolute despite mounting opposition.

Tinubu urged political opponents to respect democratic principles and abide by judicial decisions, stressing that adherence to the rule of law is essential for national stability and progress.

"I'm grateful to all of you. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance, to put freedom in the hearts of our people, to ensure democracy survives, not the noise-making, not the rascality of a street convention," he said.

He further emphasised the importance of respecting court rulings, noting: “We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court. We must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not.”

The President added: “We submit to the principles of democracy, separation of powers, and the understanding of its dynamics and the nationhood that Nigeria is. We must build one country.”

Calling for unity, Tinubu said: “There’s no other way on the path that we embrace to national greatness than to build one nation, one common vision for progress and prosperity of our people. That’s what we must do. That’s what Renewed Hope is all about.”

He also charged members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to inspire confidence among Nigerians, urging them to promote optimism about the country’s future. “You must give them that hope… to build a Nigeria,” he said.

On the opposition’s growing coalition efforts, Tinubu dismissed their influence, saying: “They want to scare me off, it is a lie. I’ve been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over and over again, I’ll do the same thing.”

Addressing economic challenges, the President acknowledged inherited difficulties but insisted his administration is taking corrective steps. “So, if something is wrong, fine, live with it, correct it, move on… I can only stand before you and say you will not regret it,” he stated.

Tinubu also assured his supporters of unwavering commitment, saying: “I can assure you… one thing that you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from you.”

In a veiled criticism of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Tinubu questioned past privatisation efforts, particularly in the steel sector, asking whether such policies had yielded results.

Earlier, Hope Uzodimma said the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative aims to simplify and communicate government policies at the grassroots level, while Aminu Masari noted that reform-oriented leadership often encounters resistance but maintained that the administration continues to record progress.