President Bola Tinubu on Sunday acknowledged the hardship triggered by his administration’s economic reforms, saying the burden of the past three years has affected him personally, just as it has millions of Nigerians.

The President made the remarks in Abuja while accepting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 election after emerging winner of the party’s nationwide primary.

Addressing party leaders and supporters at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre shortly after his declaration, Tinubu said rebuilding an economy he inherited in distress has come at a heavy cost for both citizens and his administration.

“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,” the President said.

“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.”

Tinubu formally accepted the APC nomination with what he described as “profound humility and gratitude,” pledging to continue the work of economic restructuring and national reform if returned to office in 2027.

The President said he monitored the conduct of the party’s direct primary after casting his vote in Lagos on Saturday, noting that the large turnout and peaceful conduct of the exercise strengthened his confidence in the democratic process.

“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 said.

“It was a good feeling to see that there was no bloodshed, no rancour. This is politics in earnest. This is where we want Nigeria, facing one focus.”

Tinubu secured a commanding victory in the APC presidential primary, polling 10,999,162 votes against his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, who received 16,503 votes.

The direct primary was conducted across the country’s 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards on Saturday, effectively clearing the path for Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

The President’s comments come amid persistent public concern over inflation, rising living costs and the wider impact of the government’s fiscal and economic reforms, which have dominated national debate since the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate liberalisation policies.

(The Sun)

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