President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday openly declared his readiness to seek re-election in 2027, framing the contest as a defining opportunity to “break the shackles of poverty” and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy against what he described as opposition noise and disorder.
Addressing a high-level gathering of Renewed Hope Ambassadors coordinators, APC governors, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other party stalwarts at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu left little doubt about his political intentions.
“I’m ready. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to break the shackles of poverty and ensure democracy survives, not the noise-making, not the rascality of street convention.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The remarks came shortly after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held its convention, where former Senate President David Mark was elected chairman amid criticisms from figures including Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi. The President appeared unfazed, using the platform to rally his supporters and project confidence in his reform agenda.
In a forceful address, Tinubu assured the audience that he would not let Nigerians down, pledging to sustain economic realignment aimed at dismantling long-standing structures that have hindered national prosperity. He urged greater citizen participation in shaping the country’s future, particularly through grassroots mobilisation by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
“You represent the conscience of a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty and hopelessness,” Tinubu told the delegation led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who serves as the national coordinator of the group.
The President emphasised his administration’s commitment to democratic principles, including respect for judicial independence and the rule of law.
“We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court; we must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not. We submit to this principle of democracy, separation of powers… That is what Renewed Hope is all about. You must give them that hope.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
He further called for national unity under a shared vision of progress, warning against misinformation from opposition elements.
“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I’ve been through this path before. And if I have to come back over and over and over again, I’ll do the same thing. There is no better place than your own country.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Key Figures in Attendance
Vice President: Kashim Shettima
APC National Chairman: Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
Governors Present: Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Uba Sani (Kaduna)
Others: Former governors Aminu Bello Masari, Ifeanyi Okowa, Tanko Almakura; Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru; Special Adviser Ibrahim Masari and Renewed Hope Ambassadors zonal coordinators.
Supporters at the event described Tinubu’s words as a motivational launchpad for the 2027 campaign, signalling that the Renewed Hope machinery is shifting into higher gear with intensified grassroots sensitisation on the government’s economic reforms.
As the political temperature rises towards 2027, Thursday’s gathering at the Presidential Villa has effectively drawn the battle lines, with Tinubu positioning himself as the steadfast captain determined to steer Nigeria toward national greatness.
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