President Bola Tinubu said he is not scared of the opposition, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the 2027 elections approach.
Tinubu made this known on Thursday while hosting members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, at the State House in Abuja.
According to him, attempts to intimidate him will not succeed, as he is already familiar with such challenges.
“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I’ve been through this path before,” Tinubu said.
“And if I have to come back over and over again, I’ll do the same thing. There is no better place than your own country. And no one can build it except you.”
The president urged Nigerians to focus on new ideas and forward-looking leadership, rather than relying on outdated approaches.
Tinubu noted that progress comes from bold thinking and the willingness to embrace change.
Speaking on the state of the economy, Tinubu said he accepts full responsibility, describing former President Muhammadu Buhari as his partner during the previous administration.
He said, “I didn’t have to look back on the economy because the truth is, I took over from myself.
“The late Buhari was me. He was my partner. And if I took over from him. Is that not from me? So, if something is wrong, fine. Live with it, correct it, move on.”
The president admitted that the reform process may be difficult but insisted it would bring long-term benefits.
He added that even those who doubt the administration’s efforts would eventually recognise the changes being made, adding that, “If they don’t want to see the hope… we shall lend them ‘Jigi-Bola’, eyeglasses.”.
Tinubu also said his government is working to fix long-standing economic and political issues that have held the country back, adding that these systems are being restructured to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He encouraged the ambassadors to strengthen grassroots support, describing them as voices for citizens who want to overcome poverty and hardship.
“You represent the conscience of a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty and hopelessness,” he said.
On governance, the president stressed the importance of respecting democratic values such as the rule of law, separation of powers, and citizens’ rights.
“We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court; we must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not,” he said.
“There’s no other path for us to attain national greatness other than to build one common vision for the progress and prosperity of our people. That is what we must do.”
He also reaffirmed his administration’s focus on inclusive growth, job opportunities for young people, and ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from the country’s future, while cautioning against being misled by opposition narratives.
Those present at the meeting included Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, along with several governors such as Mai Mala Buni, Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Francis Nwifuru, Sheriff Oborevwori, Usman Ododo, Abiodun Oyebanji, Hyacinth Alia, Agbu Kefas, Monday Okpebholo, and Uba Sani.
Former governors including Aminu Bello Masari, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Tanko Al-Makura were also present, alongside former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and APC national secretary Ajibola Bashiru.
KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu also criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of trying to take control of ADC for personal gain.
Leave a Reply