2027: ‘I’m not afraid of contest,’ Tinubu tells opposition, reaffirms reform agenda

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that he is not intimidated by opposition figures or political parties preparing to challenge him in the 2027 general elections, insisting that he remains committed to his reform agenda and will not “run away from the affair.”

The President made the remarks while hosting a delegation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), led by Hope Uzodimma, at the State House in Abuja.

Responding to speculations about mounting political opposition ahead of the next election cycle, Tinubu dismissed any suggestion that he could be pressured out of the race.

“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 again, I’ll do the same thing. There is no better place than your own country. And no one can build it except you,” he said.

The President stressed that national development requires visionary leadership and collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to actively participate in shaping the country’s future.

In a reflective tone, Tinubu referenced his political alliance with his predecessor, the late Muhammadu Buhari, describing their partnership as a continuum of governance.

“I didn’t have to look back on the economy because the truth is, I took over from myself. The late Buhari was me. He was my partner. And if I took over from him, is that not from me? So, if something is wrong, fine. Live with it, correct it, move on,” he said.

He acknowledged that governance is a difficult journey but assured supporters that ongoing reforms would yield long-term benefits.

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“I can only stand before you and say you will not regret it… One thing that you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from the affair. With you, the deal is done,” he added.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a stable, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, noting that entrenched political and economic structures that previously hindered growth are being dismantled.

According to him, the economy is being realigned to allow broader participation and create opportunities for poor and vulnerable citizens. He pledged to sustain reforms aimed at expanding infrastructure, strengthening institutions and enhancing livelihoods.

“If they don’t want to see the hope and the roads and bridges, and the children we raise, the economy we are growing, we shall lend them eyeglasses,” he said, in a light-hearted remark directed at critics.

The President also urged members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to intensify grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation on government programmes.

“You represent the conscience of a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty and hopelessness,” he told the delegation.

He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to uphold democratic principles, including the rule of law, separation of powers and protection of citizens’ rights, while cautioning against misinformation from opposition elements.

The meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

Several governors were present, including Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Mohammed Inuwa (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) and Uba Sani (Kaduna), who also serves as deputy director-general of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.

Former governors Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), as well as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, were also in attendance.

Earlier, Uzodimma, who doubles as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, said the delegation visited the President to brief him on the group’s progress nationwide.

Masari, speaking as North-West Zonal Coordinator of the RHA, commended Tinubu’s “courage and political sagacity,” describing him as a determined reformer navigating difficult terrain.

“Reformers always find it extremely difficult at the beginning, especially in a society that is difficult to understand and where some are willing to ensure others do not understand,” Masari said.

Other goodwill messages were delivered by former Governor Okowa, Anyim, Governors Uba Sani and Abiodun Oyebanji.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027, Tinubu’s remarks signal a readiness to confront opposition challenges while doubling down on his administration’s economic and governance reforms.