Protocol:
Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and hope. Gratitude to God Almighty for His grace upon our nation and our party. Pride in what we have built together as a party since 2013, and optimistic about a bright future for our nation, despite the challenges we face.
This 4th Elective National Convention of our great party is not merely a gathering. It is a defining chapter in the story of our democracy and our party. As a party, this Convention offers us the platform to renew our bond, strengthen our resolve, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that brought us together in the first place.
We gather under an inspiring and powerful theme, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda. Unity in Progress, as the main theme, is a potent and timely reminder that progress is impossible without unity.
Thirteen years ago, we dared to dream differently and to act boldly when, as patriots, we set aside our political differences and came together for national redemption and to save our country from the economic doldrums into which the then-ruling party had plunged it.
We are united around a shared belief: that our country can be greater and better served; that democracy must work for every Nigerian; that leadership must be anchored in vision, discipline, justice, and development.
That historic unity gave birth to a movement that changed Nigeria’s political landscape forever. Today, as we reflect, we do so with deep appreciation for the founding fathers, women, youth, and party faithful who built this platform with sweat, courage, and conviction.
Let us stand and observe a moment of silence in memory of our first leader and the first elected president produced by our party, President Muhammadu Buhari (May Allah continue to keep his soul in Aljana Firdaus).
Let us also stand and observe another moment of silence in memory of other leaders and members, with whom we started this journey together and who have passed on to eternal glory (May their souls rest in perfect peace).
All the departed members and those of us still alive bearing the torch did not build this party for division and selfishness. Together, we have the duty to ensure that the vision of our founding fathers is not diminished. We must deepen it.
Let me say this clearly and sincerely: Our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity. Political parties do not fail only through electoral defeats. Often, they falter when ego overrides ideology or when ambition replaces discipline. They fail when individual interests threaten the collective good. We must guard against those tendencies at all costs.
Therefore, this Convention must send one clear message to Nigerians and the world: Our party is strong, united, focused and ready for the future.
We must also remind ourselves that this party is not merely a vehicle specially built to carry ambitious politicians to electoral victories. It was founded as a vehicle for national transformation, a home for anybody who wants to build a Nigeria where governance works, institutions function, opportunities abound, security reigns, poverty declines, and every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region or social status, can live with dignity and hope.
Let me reiterate, especially to those who often lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state. Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition. As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition—one that can challenge, question and help refine policies. That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved. That is how nations advance.
While we welcome criticism, the constant attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 are a disservice to the Nigerian people. It is public knowledge that the processes leading to the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act passed through the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings. The Electoral Act was passed by the National Assembly, elected by the Nigerian people in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
The Act reflects our collective quest as a nation to strengthen our electoral system and consolidate democratic rule. Therefore, our commitment is to uphold the rule of law, conduct credible elections and protect the integrity of our elections, and continue building a stronger, secure, and united nation.
When Nigerians reaffirmed our leadership of the country as the governing party in 2023, we made a solemn promise to chart a new course for national renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda. That agenda was not conceived as just another campaign slogan. It was conceived as a governing philosophy.
We knew the road to reform would be tough. We knew rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions. But we also knew: no nation rises by hiding from the truth. No economy grows by sustaining wasteful subsidies or dysfunctional priorities. No future is built on perpetual self-denial.
That is why we chose the path of reform, and I assure you: The sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow. Our leaders, party members, and supporters can take pride in the success we have achieved in redirecting our country.
