PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised opposition politicians, accusing them of undermining democratic values while claiming to uphold them, as he insisted that democracy in Nigeria will endure despite mounting pressure.
News Point Nigeria reports that President made the remarks on Tuesday while hosting a delegation of political leaders from Enugu State, led by Governor Peter Mbah, at the Aso Rock Villa, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Addressing the delegation, Tinubu maintained that democratic governance would continue to thrive in Nigeria, despite what he described as intimidation.
“Democracy will survive, despite all the intimidation. Ignore it, as I advise myself; stay focused. When you are succeeding and they are angry, leave them in their corner,” the President said.
Tinubu also took a swipe at past governance decisions, particularly in the power sector, stressing the need for sustained efforts toward rebuilding the country.
“You have leaders who have privatised electricity that is not working. They gave us darkness, as you said, and we are trying to get ourselves through that to build a nation of bright hope and joyful people,” he said.
He further criticised political opponents, saying they do not practice the democratic values they advocate.
“But they don’t even believe in the democracy that they preach all about. Don’t pay attention to them because I don’t.
“We stay on our lanes. We stay focused. We build our life on people, the welfare, the prosperity, and the promise of today and tomorrow.”
The President went on to defend his administration’s economic and governance approach, emphasising the importance of long-term planning in national development.
“What has been the problem in the past is a Nigerian that is trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding,” he said.
“We have not embarked upon a serious long-term outlook for our country.”
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s economic potential, noting that the country remains a leading force on the African continent despite existing challenges.
“When you look at the indices around African growth and economic opportunity today, Nigeria is still leading. And it is with the contributions of people like you that is making it so,” he said.
He added that national development requires collective effort across all levels of government.
“It’s not a one-man occasion. It’s a collective effort at the national, sub-national, and local government. Please do more for the local government,” he stated.
According to the statement, Governor Mbah assured the President of Enugu State’s support for his re-election bid in 2027.
Tinubu welcomed the governor’s support, describing him as “a member of the progressive family today.”
“We do everything to ensure that Nigerian dreams are realised. The hope you enunciated in your remarks is not a pipe dream. It’s something for real that is achievable, and it will be achieved as we are working together,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Tinubu said his administration remains committed to delivering prosperity.
“Greatness will become that of Nigeria. Nigeria of our dream is achievable, and we will definitely do that together,” he added.
The President thanked Mbah and his delegation, assuring them of his administration’s commitment despite prevailing challenges.
“We will continue to work hard. It is not easy. You know what you handed over to us and we are in it, navigating the rough waterways,” he said.
“But we will launch this ship very well to steer Nigeria and bring prosperity to our economy. Thank you very much.”
Members of the delegation included Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Sunday Aneke, Chief of Air Staff; Ken Nnamani; Emmanuel Ogalla; former Enugu governors Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; as well as Jim Nwobodo, among others.
On Thursday, Tinubu made similar remarks while receiving a delegation of Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Hope Uzodimma at the State House in Abuja.
The President said he remains unfazed by increasing political pressure from opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I’ve been through this path before,” Tinubu said.
“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.”