President Bola Tinubu on Friday used the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention to project party unity, defend his administration’s reform agenda, and highlight what he described as improving economic indicators despite mounting domestic and global pressures.

Addressing party faithful at Eagles Square, Abuja, Tinubu framed the convention as a defining moment for both the ruling party and Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, warning against internal divisions that could undermine the APC’s long-term viability.

“Our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity,” Tinubu said, cautioning that political parties often falter “when ego overrides ideology or when ambition replaces discipline.”

The President’s remarks come at a time of heightened political recalibration within the APC and broader scrutiny of his government’s economic reforms, which have triggered both gains and public discontent.

Tinubu defended the administration’s policy direction, insisting that difficult decisions were necessary to reposition the economy and secure long-term prosperity.

“We knew the road to reform would be tough but no nation rises by hiding from the truth. No economy grows by sustaining wasteful subsidies,” he said.

In a bid to reinforce confidence, the President reeled out key economic indicators, stating that inflation has declined for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent, while business activity has expanded for a full year.

He also cited improved investor confidence, a booming stock market, and Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List as evidence of progress.Nigerian Politics Book

“Our programmes are real, visible, feasible, impactful, measurable, and not mere rhetoric,” he declared, adding that the country is transitioning “from survival mode to stability and steadily towards an era of prosperity.”

However, Tinubu acknowledged persistent structural challenges, particularly in the power sector, where debts and ageing infrastructure continue to constrain growth.

He disclosed plans to establish a Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO) to inject about 1,600 megawatts into the national grid.

On the political front, the President dismissed concerns about authoritarian tendencies, insisting that the APC does not seek to dominate Nigeria’s political space

“We do not seek a one-party state. Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition,” he said, while defending the Electoral Act 2026 against opposition criticism.

Tinubu also used the occasion to appeal to key demographics, urging greater inclusion of youths and women in governance and party leadership.

“To the young people, you are not only the future of Nigeria. You are our hope,” he said, calling for expanded participation beyond symbolic roles.

He equally stressed the importance of discipline and cohesion during and after the convention, urging delegates and aspirants to prioritise party unity over personal ambition.

“At the end of this convention, our party must be the victor. We are one family, marching forward with clarity, discipline, and purpose,” he said.

Significantly, the President linked Nigeria’s economic outlook to global instability, referencing the ongoing U.S.-Israeli-Iranian conflict as an external shock impacting the country’s economic environment.

Despite these headwinds, Tinubu maintained that the government remains on course, projecting optimism that current sacrifices will yield sustainable national growth.

“The sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow,” he said.