Tinubu charges new APC leaders to lead with humility, fairness, build unity

…Warns against ego, selfishness

President Bola Tinubu has charged newly elected leaders of the All Progressive Congress APC, to lead with humility, fairness and build unity, to strengthen the party

Speaking at the party’s 4th Elective National Convention, at th Eagles Square, Abuja on Friday night, President Tinubu described the convention as “a defining chapter in the story of our democracy and our party”.

” As a party, this Convention offers us the platform to renew our bond, strengthen our resolve, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that brought us together in the first place.”

The President recalled how the party emerged about 13 years ago, when a group of “patriots set aside political differences and came together for national redemption and to save Nigeria from the economic doldrums into which the then-ruling party had plunged it.”

He stated that the APC which was founded in 2013, was united around a shared belief: “that our country can be greater and better served; that democracy must work for every Nigerian; that leadership must be anchored in vision, discipline, justice, and development.

“That historic unity gave birth to a movement that changed Nigeria’s political landscape forever. Today, as we reflect, we do so with deep appreciation for the founding fathers, women, youth, and party faithful who built this platform with sweat, courage, and conviction”

“To all those who will be elected today: carry this trust with humility, fairness, and unwavering commitment to our party’s ideals. The future of APC, and Nigeria’s democracy, depends on your leadership. Lead with courage, lead with integrity, and lead with vision.

“May your leadership inspire confidence, strengthen unity, and deliver progress worthy of the faith our members have placed in you.

“May you continue to win more converts into the party as we have done in the last two years, when an unprecedented number of new members, governors, senators, representatives, old and current, join our party from other political parties.

He noted that the growth demonstrates the strength, beliefs and Nigerians’ trust in the Party.

” My charge to you is to sustain this expansive political structure through credible leadership and transparent party management, anchored in a reliable, verifiable database of our members nationwide.

The President led that party to observe a moment of silence in memory of the first leader and the first elected president, to be produced by the party, late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu charged the new leaders to avoid previous delays and ego, adding that ” political parties do not fail only through defeat at elections, but 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.”

According to the President, ” Our party is strong, united, focused and ready for the future.”
He noted that the party “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

“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”

Speaking on the 2026 amendment to the Electoral Act, the President described criticisms by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 as a ” disservice to the Nigerian people

” 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.”

He stated that the “Act reflects our collective quest as a nation to strengthen our electoral system and consolidate democratic rule”

He said his administration is committed to upholding “the rule of law, conduct credible elections and protect the integrity of our elections, and continue building a stronger, secure, and united nation”

Also speaking on the economy, President Tinubu said his administration was aware that the road to reform would be tough and that 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.”

The President stated that his administration made notable progress, some of which are being eroded by the ongoing Middle East crisis

He listed the progress in roads, modernising seaports and airports

He also listed the historic tax reforms and fiscal policy measures being implemented by his administration, as well as efforts to strengthen security

“We have further built up foreign exchange buffers to protect the economy against external shocks. Our stock market is booming, and listed companies are recording mega profits.

“Our GDP is growing. We have successively recorded trade surpluses. Inflation has declined steadily for eight consecutive months to 14.45%, while food prices are easing, bringing gradual relief to households. Business confidence is returning, with 12 consecutive months of economic activity expansion”

He also stressed that investor confidence has vastly improved, adding that the ” oil and gas sector has once more become attractive to foreign investment, following our reforms. Our Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 400%, and Nigeria exited the FATF Grey List, marking a decisive return to global financial credibility”

The President noted however, that despite the achievements, the country continues to face legacy issues such as electricity supply, debts to GENCOs and gas suppliers, and antiquated transmission infrastructure.

“Recently, we announced plans to address this by establishing the Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO), which will inject approximately 1,600 megawatts into a new grid corridor.”