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President Bola Tinubu on Sunday formally accepted the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket for the 2027 election after being declared the winner of the APC presidential primary with 10,999,162 votes, while his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, scored 16,503 votes. The direct primary was conducted across all 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards nationwide on Saturday.
The president will now fly the APC flag in the January 2027 presidential election as he seeks a second term in office. Here are six key takeaways from his acceptance speech.
‘I accept with humility’
Tinubu accepted the party’s nomination to run for a second term, describing the moment as a proud milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Today, we celebrate another proud moment in our democratic journey—a history not defined by any individual, but by our collective resolve to build a stable, prosperous, and just nation,” Tinubu said.
He noted that four years ago he stood as an aspirant but now returns as the incumbent president.
“Four years ago, I stood before you as an aspirant to the highest office in our country, seeking your mandate alongside many distinguished compatriots and fellow aspirants, driven by conviction and patriotism.
The All Progressives Congress has presented President Bola Tinubu with a Certificate of Return, describing the moment as a reflection of nationwide party support and the party’s vision of unity and common prosperity.
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— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) May 24, 2026
“I recall with gratitude how I sat that night at Eagle Square, beside my friend, ally, and predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, of blessed memory. With your support, I emerged as our party’s candidate and, months later, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“Today, I return as your incumbent President—humbled by your enduring support, encouraged by your continued confidence, and imbued with renewed passion for the tasks ahead.”
‘If you lost sleep, I’ve lost some too’
Tinubu said that the economic reforms pursued by his administration have been painful not only for ordinary Nigerians but also for him personally.
“I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters. If you lost sleep, I’ve lost some too. If you’ve lost weight, I’ve lost some too,” the president said.
He reminded his audience that he asked for the job in 2022 and received their support, adding: “So I must do it.”
“I share the pain with you… If you love sleep, I love some too. If you have lost weight, I think I’ve lost some too.”
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu says he remains committed to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him by Nigerians, who backed his 2022 presidential bid. pic.twitter.com/IDU9pZOKpz
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) May 24, 2026
‘Continuity is essential’
Tinubu said another term is needed to consolidate ongoing reforms, arguing that the task has shifted from charting a new direction to securing and consolidating gains.
He contrasted this with the task in 2022, which was to chart a new direction for the party and the nation.
“In 2022, our task was to chart a new direction for our party and nation. Today, our task is to affirm that continuity is essential—to consolidate reform, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria.”
‘Naira is strengthening’
Despite global challenges, including the war in Iran and geopolitical crisis in the Middle East, Tinubu declared that an economic turnaround is underway.
He added that his administration has strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, financial management, and better fiscal coordination.
“We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates, and weak infrastructure. Today, we are witnessing a turnaround: the naira is strengthening, foreign reserves are rising, and our economic outlook is positive despite the inflationary disruption caused by the war in Iran and the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. We have strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, financial management, and better fiscal coordination.”
Call for state police as ‘national emergency’
Tinubu made a direct appeal to the National Assembly to amend the constitution to allow the creation of state police, describing it as a matter of urgent national importance.
“We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency,” he said.
He acknowledged the security challenges still confronting parts of the country and assured Nigerians that his government has intensified efforts to strengthen the security architecture, support the armed forces and police, and forge stronger partnerships with local communities.
“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country,” Tinubu vowed.
“Our resolve is unwavering, and our goal is clear: a Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and aspire without fear. As leaders and members of this great party, we should all be proud of what we have achieved for our country since our party took over governance in 2015, and of the outstanding economic progress we have recorded in the last three years of my administration. However, the work we began is unfinished.”
‘Hand of partnership’ to political opponents
The president extended an olive branch to political rivals, offering dialogue and partnership in nation-building.
“To those who may disagree with us politically, we extend a hand of partnership in nation-building. To those who differ with our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the results of our work will speak for themselves,” Tinubu said.
He emphasised that democracy is sustained not by uniformity but by diversity and a shared belief in the nation.
“This next election must not merely be a contest of parties or ideas, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic maturity,” he added.
“As a government, we have taken giant steps forward. Let’s not give in to complacency by allowing politicians with no clear alternative vision to take our country backwards.”
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON HIS NOMINATION AS APC PRESIDENTIAL FLAGBEARER FOR THE 2027 ELECTION DELIVERED ON SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026, AT THE BOLA AHMED TINUBU INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA
Today, we celebrate another proud moment in our…
— Fredrick Nwabufo (@FredrickNwabufo) May 24, 2026
