We Don’t Seek One-Party State — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Friday declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not seek to impose a one-party state, insisting that democracy thrives on vibrant competition and a credible opposition, even as he used the occasion to defend the Electoral Act 2026 and highlight his administration’s reforms and achievements.

Speaking at the 4th Elective National Convention of the APC held at Eagles Square, Abuja, Tinubu said he stood before party members with “a heart full of gratitude, pride, and hope,” expressing gratitude to God for His grace upon the nation and the party, pride in what the APC has built since 2013, and optimism about Nigeria’s future despite prevailing challenges.

Describing the convention as “a defining chapter in the story of our democracy and our party,” the President said the gathering provided a platform to renew bonds, strengthen resolve and recommit to the ideals that birthed the APC.

He noted that the convention’s theme, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” underscored the centrality of unity to national development, stressing that “progress is impossible without unity.”

Reflecting on the formation of the APC 13 years ago, Tinubu said patriots set aside political differences to rescue Nigeria from economic decline, forming a movement anchored on the belief that the country can be better served through leadership defined by vision, discipline, justice and development.

He paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as the first leader and first elected president produced by the party, and called for a moment of silence in his honour, as well as for other departed members who contributed to the party’s journey.

According to him, the party’s founding vision must not be diminished, warning that political parties often fail not only through electoral defeats but when ego overrides ideology and ambition replaces discipline.

“Our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity,” he said, cautioning members against tendencies that could threaten the collective good.

Tinubu said the convention must send a clear message that the APC remains “strong, united, focused and ready for the future,” adding that the party was not created merely as a vehicle for ambitious politicians but as a platform for national transformation where governance works, institutions function, opportunities abound, security is strengthened, poverty declines, and citizens live with dignity.

On the state of Nigeria’s democracy, the President said: “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.”

He added that he believes in a credible opposition that can challenge and refine policies, noting that such engagement improves governance and advances nations.

While welcoming criticism, Tinubu faulted what he described as constant attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026, insisting that the law emerged from a rigorous legislative process.

“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,” he said.

He explained that the Act was passed by the National Assembly in line with the 1999 Constitution and reflects Nigeria’s collective quest to strengthen its electoral system and consolidate democratic rule.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, conducting credible elections and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

Turning to governance, the President recalled that following the APC’s victory in the 2023 elections, his administration introduced the Renewed Hope Agenda as a governing philosophy, not just a campaign slogan.

He acknowledged that reforms have been difficult but necessary, stressing that no nation can progress by avoiding hard truths or sustaining wasteful subsidies and dysfunctional priorities.

“That is why we chose the path of reform,” he said, assuring that “the sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow.”

He noted that despite global economic uncertainties and what he described as “another unanticipated blowout arising from the US-Israeli-Iranian War,” his administration has made strides in infrastructure development, including the construction of superhighways and concrete-and-steel roads.

He added that the government is modernising seaports and airports, implementing historic tax and fiscal reforms, expanding social investment programmes and strengthening national security.

Providing economic indicators, Tinubu said Nigeria has built foreign exchange buffers to shield the economy from external shocks, while the stock market is booming and listed companies are recording significant profits.

He said the country’s GDP is growing, trade surpluses have been recorded, and inflation has declined steadily for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent, with food prices easing.

According to him, business confidence has returned, with 12 consecutive months of economic expansion, while investor confidence has improved significantly, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

He disclosed that Nigeria’s Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 400 per cent and that the country has exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, signalling renewed global financial credibility.

Despite these gains, Tinubu acknowledged persistent challenges in the power sector, including electricity supply issues, debts to generation companies and gas suppliers, and outdated transmission infrastructure.

He announced plans to establish a Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO) to address the challenges and inject about 1,600 megawatts into a new grid corridor.

The President said testimonies from beneficiaries of government programmes showed that the initiatives were “real, visible, feasible, impactful and measurable,” adding that Nigeria is moving from survival to stability and towards prosperity.

Addressing young people, Tinubu described them as the nation’s greatest assets, noting that their creativity, innovation and digital fluency are critical to Nigeria’s future. He called for increased youth participation in decision-making and urged the party to nurture a generation of disciplined and committed young leaders.

He also emphasised the importance of women in national development, warning that any party that excludes women weakens itself, while one that empowers them becomes stronger and more resilient. He pledged to expand opportunities for women in leadership and governance.

Tinubu urged delegates, aspirants and stakeholders to conduct themselves with maturity, respect and adherence to due process during the convention, describing such gatherings as opportunities for institutional renewal and strengthening internal democracy.

“Let no contest divide us. Let no outcome embitter us. At the end of this convention, our party must be the victor,” he said.

He commended the Convention Planning Committee led by former Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, for their work.

The President also acknowledged the roles played by governors, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, particularly in organising and funding aspects of the convention.

He extended appreciation to all governors and ministers for ensuring the success of the event.

Tinubu charged those to be elected at the convention to lead with humility, fairness, integrity and vision, noting that the future of the APC and Nigeria’s democracy depends on their leadership.

He urged them to sustain the party’s expanding political structure, which he said has attracted governors, lawmakers and members from other parties, and to ensure transparent party management anchored on a reliable membership database.

“May God bless our great party. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President said.