ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu yesterday challenged opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying their alleged coalition cannot intimidate him.
The President said despite the alleged gang-up against him, he will not give up.
Speaking when he hosted the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a group set up to communicate his administration’s agenda and reforms to all parts of the country, he advised the opposition to surrender to the principles of democracy and obey the judiciary.
He expressed gratitude to the members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and assured them that he would not abandon them.
“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,” he said.
Advising the opposition to obey the judiciary, the President said: “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.
“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.”
Tinubu told the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to try as much as possible to give Nigerians hope.
“You must give them that hope, but try as much as possible, men and women of integrity who are here in this room, to build a Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on the opposition’s alliance, Tinubu said their attempt to intimidate him would fail, noting that he has faced similar challenges before and would not hesitate to confront them again if necessary.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to believe in their country, saying no one else can build it for them. He noted that progress is driven by forward-thinking individuals who can transform society and improve lives, encouraging citizens not to be afraid but to see themselves as agents of change.
Speaking on the economy, the President acknowledged the difficult state of affairs before he assumed office, but said he chose to confront the challenges head-on.
“I have listened to your concerns about the economy. I didn’t need to look back, because in a sense, I succeeded myself. The late Muhammadu Buhari was my ally, and if I took over from him, it is like taking over from myself,” he said.
“So, if something is wrong, fine, live with it, correct it, move on. The life voyage is not going to be easy, and so many of you are traveling with me. I can only stand before you and say you will not regret it.
“That’s why we ask you to renew their hope. If they don’t want to, we will let them see the hope and the roads with the bridges and the children we raise, and the economy we are growing. We lend them ‘jiggy bola’. We will give them eyeglasses.
“I can assure you, whatever you say I do, but one thing that you need from me is a promise that I won’t run away from you. With you, the deal is done. No other thing, whatever we need to do, coordinate from the ward level.”
The President said the Renewed Hope Ambassadors belong to one family and represent the conscience of a nation “that wants to break the shackles of poverty, ignorance, and hopelessness.
“You are in good company. That’s all I can say, and all I can promise is that I won’t give up.
Tinubu recalled the difficulty of his political journey, noting that both the party primaries and the general election were highly challenging.
In an apparent swipe at Atiku, he criticised past privatisation efforts, pointing out that key assets such as the Delta steel industry and Ajaokuta Steel have yet to deliver expected results. He also took a jab at political interference, saying some individuals had even “privatised” another person’s party. He urged Nigerians to focus on facts, thorough analysis, and the promises made, assuring them he would not disappoint.
Earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the initiative aims to promote national renewal by simplifying and communicating the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration to grassroots communities, thereby strengthening public engagement.
Also speaking, APC chieftain and former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari acknowledged that reform-oriented leadership often faces opposition, but maintained that the Tinubu administration has continued to make notable progress despite existing challenges.
