President Bola Tinubu has said he understands the hardship many Nigerians are currently facing, stressing that the burden of leadership and the country’s economic struggles have also affected him personally.
Tinubu made the remarks after officially accepting the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election following his victory at the party’s primary election.
Speaking to party members and supporters, the president admitted that the ongoing reforms introduced by his administration have not been easy on citizens.
“I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters. If you’ve lost sleep, I’ve lost some too. If you’ve lost weight, I’ve lost some too,” Tinubu said.
The president noted that despite the pressure and criticism surrounding his economic policies, he remains determined to continue the job Nigerians elected him to do.
“But I’ve always remembered one thing: in 2022, I asked for this job. You all supported me and I got it. So I must do it,” he added.
Tinubu also thanked APC members across the country for giving him another opportunity to fly the party’s flag in the next presidential election.
“I accept with profound humility and gratitude the nomination of our great party, the APC, to stand again as your presidential candidate in the 2027 election,” he stated.
Reflecting on the primary election, the president said he closely monitored events from Lagos after casting his vote and expressed satisfaction with the turnout and peaceful conduct of party members nationwide.
According to him, scenes from states like Kano, Kaduna and Calabar showed strong support for the APC and demonstrated growing political participation among Nigerians.
Tinubu further praised party supporters for carrying out the exercise without violence or crisis, describing it as a positive sign for Nigeria’s democracy.
“It was a good feeling to see that there was no bloodshed, no rancour. This is politics in earnest. This is where we want Nigeria, facing one focus,” he said.
