President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday expressed confidence that more politicians would defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such political moves as “part of the game.”
Speaking during the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit at the State House Conference Centre, the President said he was pleased with the achievements of his administration and the APC so far, stating that no one should be expected to remain in a “sinking ship without a life jacket.”
“You don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game,” Tinubu said in a statement by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Addressing a gathering of party leaders, the National Working Committee, Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), and National Assembly leadership, the President noted that despite the difficult reforms embarked upon since assuming office in May 2023, the economy is showing signs of recovery and attracting foreign investments.
“Yes, we encountered challenges, but we have made progress by implementing long-overdue reforms. Our economy is recovering, and our bold steps are laying the foundation for future prosperity,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, targeting economic stability, security improvement, anti-corruption reforms, and poverty reduction.
He also cited the elimination of foreign exchange arbitrage and ongoing tax reforms as key steps in correcting systemic dysfunctions.
“We couldn’t continue spending the future of our children. Arbitrage in the exchange rate was the grandfather of corruption,” he added, referencing EFCC recoveries of ill-gotten assets.
The summit, which reviewed the administration’s two-year performance across sectors such as infrastructure, health, and security, saw an outpouring of endorsements for Tinubu's second term bid.
Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, moved a motion of confidence in the President and endorsed him for re-election in 2027. The motion was seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.
National Assembly leaders, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, echoed similar support, describing Tinubu’s leadership as “inclusive and purposeful.”
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje also led the National Working Committee (NWC) in unanimously endorsing Tinubu, declaring him the party’s sole candidate for 2027.
“I urge all members to reject internal sabotage and build a political structure beyond elections. Let us rally behind President Bola Tinubu,” Ganduje said.
The party called on members to recommit to the founding principles of the APC and support the President in delivering the “Renewed Hope” promised to Nigerians.
