President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for patience as he seeks a second chance at the Presidency. He asked citizens to endure three painful years of reform while his government steadied the economy. According to him, the benefits are now showing. Sojworldnews reviewed his remarks and the wider political context.
Tinubu said the economy has begun to recover. Moreover, he argued that key economic indicators are doing very well. “Construction is ongoing,” he said, pointing to roads and other infrastructure. In his words, authorities have rehabilitated roads that contractors once abandoned.
He also spoke about housing and farming. The housing industry, he said, is coming on very well. Furthermore, he promised that agriculture will prosper again. As a result, he expects Nigeria to achieve food sovereignty.
Tinubu then looked back at his road to the presidency. He described the contest as “very, very challenging.” In addition, he said the battle was tough for those who fought beside him. He praised allies who kept faith, and he closed by thanking his audience.
The appeal comes as Tinubu heads into the 2027 race. The All Progressives Congress named him its candidate in May, Africanews reported. At that event, he acknowledged public frustration over living costs. “We do not dismiss these concerns,” he said.
He made similar points on October 1. In his Independence Day broadcast, he said, “we have reached a turning point.” He added that the economy has grown by more than 4 percent this year, ThisDay reported. Therefore, he now plans to focus on jobs, food prices and the cost of living, according to The Sun.
The plea for time is not new. On September 26, Tribune reported that Tinubu asked Nigerians to give his administration more time to finish the reforms. Likewise, he argued in his Independence address that problems built over generations cannot vanish in four years. He titled that speech “From Reform to Prosperity.”
Tinubu also outlined a vision for young people. He said he wants to see more Nigerians making things. In addition, he wants young Nigerians “building unicorns” and creating opportunities at home. He also said the government will keep expanding social protection for vulnerable households, First Daily News reported.
Tinubu also used a medical comparison. He likened Nigeria’s economy to a cancer patient who needs painful treatment instead of temporary relief, ThisDay noted. Similarly, he urged Nigerians not to reverse the direction of the reforms.
However, many Nigerians still feel the strain. Africanews reported that inflation climbed to around 30 percent in 2024. It then stayed near 15 percent in early 2026. The outlet also said fuel prices have quadrupled over four years. As a result, living costs continue to test public patience.
At 74, Tinubu has long signalled his intention to seek another term, Africanews noted. Consequently, the economy now sits at the centre of his campaign message. Supporters point to the growth figures, while critics point to prices in the market.
Recent market data offers a mixed picture. The naira traded near ₦1,330 per dollar this week, its strongest level in two years, according to Legit.ng. Still, a stronger exchange rate does not automatically lower prices at the market stall.
Opposition parties have pushed back on the president’s message. They say hardship is suffocating Nigerians and insecurity persists, according to The Sun. They also say democracy is under strain. Meanwhile, the government insists that the worst phase of the reforms has passed.
Voters will now judge whether the promised gains reach their homes. For many families, that means lower food prices and steady jobs. Therefore, the coming months will test the president’s message. Sojworldnews will keep following the campaign and will update this story as events unfold.
Sources: Africanews, ThisDay, The Sun.
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