By Ayo Kehinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, declared that he remains unfazed by what he described as an opposition “conspiracy”, insisting that no political coalition can intimidate him or derail his administration’s reform agenda.
Tinubu spoke at the Presidential Villa while hosting members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), a grassroots mobilisation group designed to promote his re-election bid in 2027.
The meeting underscored the administration’s renewed push to consolidate grassroots support, reinforce democratic values, and communicate policy gains as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an address, the President urged opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to respect democratic principles and judicial authority, while maintaining that his administration would stay focused on nation-building.
“They want to scare me off; it is 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, and no one can build it except you”, Tinubu said.
In what appeared to be a veiled but pointed criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the President questioned the outcomes of past privatisation exercises carried out under his leadership.
“The head was the chairman of the Privatisation Council of Nigeria in this country”, Tinubu said. “One time, he privatised the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today? No. Once they privatised Ajaokuta, is it working today? They privatised another man’s political party. Your job is done”, he added, in a remark widely interpreted as criticism of Atiku’s political trajectory and influence.
The President urged Nigerians to critically examine the track records of political leaders, emphasising the need for accountability and evidence-based leadership.
“Let’s go to the depths, the research of the details and what we promised Nigerians, and I promise I won’t let you down.”
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic governance, Tinubu called on opposition figures to respect court orders 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 the principles of democracy, separation of powers, and the understanding of its dynamics and the nationhood that Nigeria is. We must build one country”, he said.
Tinubu stressed that national greatness can only be achieved through unity, shared vision, and adherence to democratic norms.
“There’s no other way on the path that we embrace to national greatness than to build one nation, one common vision for progress and prosperity of our people. That’s what we must do. That’s what Renewed Hope is all about.”
The President expressed appreciation to members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, urging them to sustain optimism and mobilise citizens at the grassroots.
“I’m grateful to all of you. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance, to put freedom in the hearts of our people, to ensure democracy survives—not the noise-making, not the rascality of a street convention. You must give Nigerians hope… to build a Nigeria”, he charged.
Tinubu reassured them of his steadfastness: “One thing that you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from you… With you, the deal is done. I won’t give up.”
On the economy, Tinubu acknowledged existing challenges but defended his administration’s reform choices as necessary and forward-looking.
“I didn’t have to look back because the truth is, I took over from myself”, he said, referencing his political alignment with the late Muhammadu Buhari.
“If something is wrong, fine—live with it, correct it, move on.. The life voyage is not going to be easy… but I can only stand before you and say you will not regret it”, he added.
Earlier, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, described the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative as a strategic platform for translating government policies into relatable messages at the grassroots level.
A former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, noted that reform-driven leadership often faces resistance but commended the administration’s progress.
“We are not blowing our trumpet as much as we should; a lot has been done”, Masari said.
The National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, pointed to projects being commissioned nationwide as evidence of the administration’s impact and pledged closer collaboration with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, described the opposition as driven by “mischief”, while Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani alleged that some opposition elements are more focused on destabilisation than electoral victory.
