President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the economic hardship resulting from his administration’s reforms, noting that he too has been affected by the policies.
He made the remarks on Sunday while formally accepting the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja before party leaders and supporters, the president said the reforms introduced by his government were unavoidable, despite the challenges they have created for citizens.
According to him, the nation’s rebuilding process has been difficult not only for Nigerians but also for him personally.
“I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters. If you lost sleep, I’ve lost some too. If you’ve lost weight, I’ve lost some too,” he said.
Tinubu also stressed his commitment to leadership, recalling that he willingly sought the position.
“But I’ve always remembered one thing: in 2022, I asked for this job. You all supported me and I got it. So I must do it,” he added.
During the event, the president formally accepted the APC’s nomination as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, expressing appreciation to party members for their support.
“I accept with profound humility and gratitude the nomination of our great party, the APC, to stand again as your presidential candidate in the 2027 election,” he stated.
Tinubu further said he closely followed the primary election process after casting his vote in Lagos, describing the nationwide turnout as encouraging.
“I was glued to the television after voting. I saw the mammoth crowd in Kano and Kaduna, the city boy walking the streets of Calabar,” he noted.
He added that the peaceful conduct of the exercise reflected progress in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Reports indicate that Tinubu secured 10,999,162 votes in the APC direct primary held across the country, defeating his challenger, Stanley Osifo, who polled 16,503 votes.