Tinubu: How I plan to govern Nigeria: Full Speech

On Wednesday, Bola Tinubu, the nation’s incoming president, provided details on how his administration will run the country’s affairs.

In order to ensure that Nigerians experience better times and live in the nation of their dreams, he said he was prepared to listen and take a difficult path.

Soon after being named the winner of the presidential election, he made this statement at the APC Presidential Campaign Council headquarters in Abuja.

View the complete speech below.
By Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

March 1, 2023
Greetings, Nigerians!

The fact that you chose me to be the 16th President of our beloved Republic makes me feel incredibly humbled. This is a proud moment in any man’s life and a testament to the existence of democracy. I want to express my sincere gratitude.

Regardless of your political affiliation—Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or any other—you cast your vote for a stronger, more optimistic country, and I want to thank you for doing so.

You made the choice to put your faith in the democratic vision of a Nigeria based on shared prosperity and fostered by the ideals of harmony, justice, peace, and toleration. In Nigeria, new hope has emerged.We commend INEC for running a free and fair election. The lapses that did occur were relatively few in number and were immaterial to the final outcome. With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life.

Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.

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I thank all who supported my campaign. From President Buhari who adeptly led my campaign as its chairman, to my Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

To the progressive governors of our party and this nation, to the party leadership, to our loyal party members. I owe you a debt of gratitude. To the entire campaign organisation, I thank you sincerely.

I thank my loving wife and dear family whose support was ceaseless and inspiring. Without you, this victory would not be possible.

I am grateful to Almighty God. By His mercy, I was born a son of Nigeria and through His sublime purpose, I find myself the victor of this election. May He grant me the wisdom and courage to lead the nation to the greatness He alone has destined for it.
Finally, I thank the Nigerian people for their abiding belief in our democracy. I shall be a fair leader to all Nigerians. I will be in tune with your aspirations, charge up your energies and harness your talents to deliver a nation that we can be proud of.

To my fellow candidates, former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign.

You have my utmost respect.

Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance.

During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy. In my heart, you are my brothers.

Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence. Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets.

I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful and progressive campaign. The aftermath of our campaign must be as benign.

Yes, there are divisions amongst us that should not exist. Many people are uncertain, angry and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.

Now, to you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear. I understand your pains, your yearnings for good governance, a functional economy and a safe nation that protects you and your future.

I am aware that for many of you, Nigeria has become a place of abiding challenges, limiting your ability to see a bright future for yourselves.

Remodelling our precious national home requires the harmonious efforts of all of us, especially the youth. Working together, we shall move this nation as never before.

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Vice President-elect Shettima, who was my running mate, and I are aware of the difficulties that lie ahead. More importantly, we recognize and deeply value your talent and inherent goodness as Nigerians. We promise to pay attention and take the bold actions that will put us on the path of unstoppable progress. Hold us accountable firmly, but first, please give us a chance.

For today, tomorrow, and a long time to come, we will work together to create a society that is brighter and more productive.
For today, tomorrow, and years to come, we will work together to create a brighter and more productive society.
The highest honor a man can receive today has been bestowed upon me by you. In exchange, as your next president and commander-in-chief, I promise to do everything in my power for you. The cornerstones of the society we want to create are going to be peace, unity, and prosperity. You’ll be proud to call yourself a Nigerian when you consider what we’ll accomplish in the upcoming years.

I appreciate you all.

God bless you all.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is blessed by God.
You have bestowed upon me today the highest honor you can bestow upon one man.