President Bola Tinubu has dismissed opposition criticism, describing his detractors as “noise-makers” who disregard the rule of law, and vowed that he will not be intimidated into abandoning Nigeria’s challenges.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with leaders and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors – a group led by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma – the President declared that his political struggles had prepared him for the task of governing.
“They want to scare me off? It is a lie. I have been through this path before,” Mr Tinubu said.
“One thing that you need from me is a promise: I won’t run away from the affairs of the nation. With you, the deal is done.”
Recalling the difficulties of the 2023 election cycle, the President noted that both the primaries and the general election were tough but ultimately successful.
He insisted that the experience had steeled him against current pressures, adding that he would not be distracted by what he called “rascality of street convention”.
“I have listened to various comments. I am inspired by all of you. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance, to put freedom in the heart of our people, to ensure democracy survives,” Mr Tinubu said.
“Not the noise-making, not the rascality of street convention. We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court. We must embrace the judiciary – whether it favours us or not.”
The President urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united against those he said did not want national transformation.
He also took aim at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), questioning the outcomes of privatisation exercises carried out under Mr Atiku’s tenure as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation.
“He privatised the steel industry in Delta – is it working today? No,” Mr Tinubu said.
“They privatised Ajaokuta. Is it working today? Go on the list. They privatised another man’s political party. That one said no,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to governance and national development, promising to deliver on his administration’s pledges.
“Let’s go into the details of what we promised Nigerians, and I promise, I won’t let you down,” he said.
He also confirmed that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors had been mobilised and empowered to support the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
