BY Arabinrin Aderonke

It was truly a privilege to serve on the Convention Planning Committee for the 4th Elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress held at Eagles Square in Abuja. Being part of such a well-organised, seamless and purposeful event was both fulfilling and inspiring. The level of coordination, attention to detail and commitment from everyone involved reflects the strength and maturity the party has built over the years. I must sincerely commend the leadership and every individual who contributed to making the Convention a success.

More importantly, I was genuinely excited listening to the speech delivered by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was not just a political address. It was a clear policy statement, a reflection of governance priorities and a roadmap for where the country is headed. What stood out was the balance between honesty about challenges and confidence in the direction of reforms.

From a policy point of view, the President’s speech strongly emphasised unity as the foundation for progress. This is not just political language. It reflects an understanding that policy implementation in a country like Nigeria requires cooperation across regions, institutions and political interests. Without unity, even the best policies fail at execution stage. By placing unity at the centre, the President is signalling that governance success depends on collective responsibility, not just government action.

Another important theme in the speech was institutional strengthening. The President made it clear that the party was not created merely as a vehicle for winning elections, but as a platform for national transformation. This aligns with a policy direction that prioritises strong institutions over individuals. When institutions work properly, policies become sustainable, transparent and more effective over time.

On democracy and political competition, the President’s position was quite instructive. He openly rejected the idea of a one party state and acknowledged the importance of a credible opposition. From a governance perspective, this is critical because strong opposition improves policy quality. It forces the government to think deeper, defend its decisions and remain accountable to the people. This reinforces democratic stability and policy credibility both locally and internationally.

The section addressing the Electoral Act also reflects a commitment to rule of law and due process. By highlighting that the law went through legislative scrutiny and public participation, the President is reinforcing the legitimacy of the electoral framework. This is important for investor confidence and political stability, as credible elections are the backbone of a functioning democracy.

One of the most significant parts of the speech was the explanation of the Renewed Hope Agenda as a governing philosophy rather than just a campaign slogan. This distinction matters. It shows that policies being implemented are not random or reactive, but guided by a clear framework. The emphasis on difficult but necessary reforms, such as removing unsustainable subsidies and correcting economic distortions, reflects a long term approach to economic management.

The President’s economic policy direction came out strongly in his discussion of reforms and results. He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, including roads, seaports and airports. These are not just physical projects. They are productivity enablers that reduce the cost of doing business, improve trade and support economic growth.

He also spoke about tax and fiscal reforms. This is a key policy area because government revenue determines the ability to fund development. By reforming the tax system, the government is trying to create a more efficient and fair structure that supports growth while increasing revenue.

Another important policy signal was the focus on social investment programmes. This shows an awareness that reforms can be difficult for citizens in the short term. Social programmes help cushion the impact and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. This balance between reform and social protection is critical for sustainable policy success.

The President also touched on macroeconomic stability. He mentioned improvements in foreign exchange buffers, trade surpluses, declining inflation and growing investor confidence. These indicators suggest that the policy direction is beginning to stabilise the economy. Stability is important because it creates a predictable environment for businesses, investors and households.

Energy and electricity challenges were also acknowledged openly. This is important because power remains one of Nigeria’s biggest structural problems. The proposed establishment of the Grid Asset Management Company shows a policy move towards restructuring and investment in transmission infrastructure. Addressing this issue will have wide impact across industries, job creation and overall economic performance.

Another strong policy area in the speech was youth inclusion. The President did not just describe young people as the future, but emphasised their role as present day contributors and decision makers. This is a shift towards more inclusive governance, where policies are shaped with active youth participation. Given Nigeria’s demographics, this is both necessary and strategic.

Similarly, his message to women reflects a policy direction towards gender inclusion. Expanding opportunities for women in leadership and governance is not just about fairness. It improves decision making, strengthens institutions and contributes to economic development. Empowering women is widely recognised as a key driver of national progress.

The President also focused on internal party democracy and discipline. While this may seem political, it has policy implications. Strong party structures often translate into more organised governance, clearer policy direction and better accountability within government systems.

His closing message about integrity, leadership and responsibility for those elected at the Convention reinforces the importance of ethical governance. Policies can only succeed when leaders implement them with sincerity, discipline and a sense of responsibility to the people.

Overall, the speech presents a government that is focused on long term reforms, institutional strength, economic stability and inclusive growth. It acknowledges challenges but frames them as part of a necessary transition towards a stronger and more resilient Nigeria.

It was an address that combined political messaging with clear policy direction, and it leaves a strong sense that the administration is committed to staying the course, improving systems and delivering measurable progress for Nigerians.

Arabinrin Aderonke is an award-winning investigative journalist; 2016 finalist, CNN African Journalist Award; 2013 winner, Wole Soyinka investigative award, a policy analyst and good governance advocate. She writes from Abuja.

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