Abuja, March 27, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday night delivered a landmark address to Nigerians and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 8th National Convention of the party, held at Eagles Square in Abuja. Speaking to party delegates, stakeholders, and dignitaries, the President emphasized the critical role of unity in driving national progress and consolidating the APC’s governing philosophy, the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Opening his speech, President Tinubu expressed profound gratitude to God and pride in the achievements of the APC since its founding in 2013. “Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and hope,” he said. “Gratitude to God Almighty for His grace upon our nation and our party. Pride in what we have built together, and optimism about a bright future for our nation despite the challenges we face.”
The President described the convention as a “defining chapter” in Nigeria’s democratic history, noting that it offers party members an opportunity to renew their commitment to the ideals that brought them together. Themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the gathering was described by the President as a timely reminder that national advancement is impossible without cohesion.
Reflecting on the party’s history, President Tinubu recounted the APC’s formation over a decade ago, emphasizing the vision of national redemption that motivated its founding members. “Thirteen years ago, we dared to dream differently and act boldly,” he said. “We set aside political differences to save our country from the economic doldrums into which the then-ruling party had plunged it.”
He paid tribute to the party’s late pioneers, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing them as architects of a movement that reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape. A moment of silence was observed in memory of these leaders, with President Tinubu urging party members to honor their legacy by deepening the vision upon which the APC was built.
President Tinubu warned against internal divisions, stating that political parties often fail not from electoral defeats, but when ambition supersedes ideology and personal interests threaten the collective good. “Our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity,” he stressed. He called on delegates to project a clear message of strength, focus, and readiness to Nigerians and the international community.
He further clarified that the APC is not merely a vehicle for individual political ambitions but a platform for national transformation. The party, according to the President, seeks to build a Nigeria where governance works, institutions function, opportunities abound, security is enhanced, poverty declines, and all citizens can live with dignity and hope.
On democratic principles, President Tinubu affirmed his commitment to a credible opposition and competitive politics, stating, “We do not seek a one-party state. Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition. A credible opposition challenges policies, refines governance, and ensures national progress.”
Addressing concerns over the recently amended Electoral Act of 2026, the President defended the process, noting that it followed extensive legislative scrutiny and public hearings. He reaffirmed his government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law, ensuring credible elections, and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
President Tinubu also highlighted the progress made under his administration since 2023, attributing it to the guiding philosophy of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The agenda, he said, is not a campaign slogan but a governing framework aimed at reforming the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and social systems. He outlined key achievements, including superhighway construction, modernization of seaports and airports, historic fiscal reforms, social investment programs, and national security enhancements.
Economic indicators, according to the President, reflect the administration’s success. He pointed to a booming stock market, consecutive months of economic expansion, declining inflation, improved investor confidence, and Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List as signs of the nation’s restored financial credibility. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as electricity supply, debts in the power sector, and outdated transmission infrastructure, announcing plans to establish the Grid Asset Management Company to inject 1,600 megawatts into the national grid.
The President addressed youth and women directly, emphasizing their centrality to Nigeria’s future. He called for greater youth participation in decision-making and encouraged initiatives to empower women in leadership and policy-making roles. “Your creativity, innovation, and courage are our greatest national assets,” he said.
On internal party democracy, President Tinubu reminded delegates that conventions are opportunities for institutional renewal, restructuring, and reaffirming direction. He urged all participants to conduct themselves with integrity, ensure contests do not divide the party, and maintain discipline regardless of outcomes.
He expressed gratitude to the Convention Planning Committee, including Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari and Anyim Pius Anyim, as well as to Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for their pivotal roles in organizing the convention.
Concluding his speech, President Tinubu charged newly elected party officials to lead with courage, integrity, and vision, emphasizing that the future of the APC and Nigeria’s democracy rests on their leadership. He called on all members to sustain party growth through transparent management and a verifiable nationwide membership database.
“May God bless our great party. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” President Tinubu concluded to resounding applause from delegates and party faithful alike.
The 8th APC National Convention served not only as a platform for internal party elections but also as a reaffirmation of the APC’s commitment to national unity, institutional development, and the consolidation of the Renewed Hope Agenda as a blueprint for Nigeria’s future.
