President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the greatest strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) lies in its unity of purpose rather than its size or numerical strength. Speaking at the party’s 4th elective national convention held at Eagles Square in Abuja, Tinubu emphasised the importance of cohesion within the party, stating, “our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity."
He warned that political parties often collapse not solely due to electoral defeat but internal discord, adding: “Political parties do not fail only through electoral defeats. Often, they falter when ego overrides ideology or when ambition replaces discipline. They fail when individual interests threaten the collective good. We must guard against those tendencies at all costs.”
The President urged party members to project a clear message of unity and readiness, saying the convention should send a signal to Nigerians and the international community that “Our party is strong, united, focused and ready for the future.”
Tinubu further described the APC as more than a platform for political ambition, stressing its founding ideals. According to him: “We must also remind ourselves that this party is not merely a vehicle specially built to carry ambitious politicians to electoral victories. It was founded as a vehicle for national transformation, a home for anybody who wants to build a Nigeria where governance works, institutions function, opportunities abound, security reigns, poverty declines, and every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region or social status, can live with dignity and hope.”
Addressing concerns from opposition parties, the President dismissed claims that his administration seeks to establish a one-party state. He stated: “Let me reiterate, especially to those who often lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state. Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition. As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition—one that can challenge, question and help refine policies. That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved. That is how nations advance.”
Tinubu also criticised opposition attacks on the Electoral Act 2026, describing them as unhelpful to national progress. “It is public knowledge that the processes leading to the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act passed through the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings. The Electoral Act was passed by the National Assembly, elected by the Nigerian people in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
“The Act reflects our collective quest as a nation to strengthen our electoral system and consolidate democratic rule. Therefore, our commitment is to uphold the rule of law, conduct credible elections and protect the integrity of our elections, and continue building a stronger, secure, and united nation,” he added.
The President also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s achievements over the past three years, anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said: “When Nigerians reaffirmed our leadership of the country as the governing party in 2023, we made a solemn promise to chart a new course for national renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda. That agenda was not conceived as just another campaign slogan. It was conceived as a governing philosophy.
“We knew the road to reform would be tough. We knew rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions. But we also knew: no nation rises by hiding from the truth. No economy grows by sustaining wasteful subsidies or dysfunctional priorities. No future is built on perpetual self-denial.
“That is why we chose the path of reform, And I assure you: The sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow. Our leaders, party members, and supporters can take pride in the success we have achieved in redirecting our country.”
Highlighting key policy areas, Tinubu noted progress despite global economic challenges and external shocks. “Fellow compatriots, since assuming office, our government has remained focused on delivering on its mandate to the Nigerian people. Despite the complex global economic and political environment and the fact that we are currently experiencing another unanticipated blowout arising from the US-Israeli-Iranian War, we have made notable strides. We have made strides in infrastructure development, including the construction of superhighways and concrete-and-steel roads.
“Apart from roads, we are modernising our seaports and airports. We have begun the implementation of a historic tax and fiscal policy reforms. We are implementing social investment programmes, and have embarked on efforts to strengthen our national security.”
