Tinubu Says He Expects More Defections To APC

President Bola Tinubu stated on Thursday, May 22, that he anticipates more politicians will join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He expressed satisfaction with the accomplishments of his administration and the APC, adding that he did not expect anyone to remain on what he described as “a sinking ship without a life jacket.”

According to his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President made the remarks at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit, held at the State House Conference Centre.

Tinubu addressed party leaders, members of the National Working Committee, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, which includes 22 governors.

He noted that his administration’s focus on economic reforms aimed at long-term benefits continues to receive positive feedback both domestically and internationally.

The President was quoted as saying: “A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians.

“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.”

The President stated that citizens have a constitutional right to choose their associations.

“I thank every one of you. I am thoroughly inspired. We are just halfway through the journey that started 24 months ago,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to members of the Federal Executive Council for boldly advancing the vision of a better Nigeria, and to the party leadership and National Assembly for their continued support.

“Together, we pledged to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on by rebuilding the trust, fostering prosperity and restoring our nation’s economic quest.

“Today, I am proud to affirm that our economic reforms are working. Nothing good comes easy in life. All of you have been through life, and sometimes, only hard decisions can make things easy in the future.

“We couldn’t just afford to spend the future of our children and unborn babies.

“Through our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.

“How fast could you have rebuilt this country? If you allow the arbitrage in the exchange rate to continue, that is the grandfather of corruption. You could see EFCC recover over seven hundred and fifty-something houses from one person,” he said.

The President acknowledged that the reforms involved difficult decisions but assured Nigerians they were essential.

“Yes, we encountered challenges when we assumed office in May 2023, but we have made progress by implementing difficult, long overdue but necessary economic reforms.

“We have eliminated the arbitrage-driven multiple foreign exchanges, and our far-reaching tax reforms are coming.

“Because of the reforms, our country now attracts foreign direct investments that will ultimately create jobs and produce much-needed goods and services that will significantly improve the standard of living of our people,” he said.