Tinubu Appeals for Second Term, Says His Government Is Fixing Nigeria’s Past Mistakes

BY Taibat Ummi Yakubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Nigerians to give his administration more time, saying the government is addressing the accumulated mistakes and missed opportunities of previous administrations.

Tinubu made the appeal as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary, with the President represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, at a special prayer session held at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years as an independent nation, Abbas described the anniversary as a significant milestone, saying the country had moved beyond its formative years and should now look ahead with renewed confidence.

He acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey since independence had been marked by both achievements and setbacks, but urged citizens not to lose hope despite the difficulties confronting the country.

According to him, the government believes the country is gradually moving towards greater stability, development and economic recovery.

“My message to the country on behalf of Mr President, the Senate President and all members of the National Assembly is that citizens should not lose hope. Peace is coming back to this country. Development is coming back to this country. Things will get better as we progress in this democracy,” Abbas said, conveying the President’s message.

The Speaker said the Tinubu administration was particularly focused on addressing what it considers the cumulative mistakes and missed opportunities inherited from previous governments.

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He argued that the reforms being implemented by the administration were intended to place Nigeria on a more sustainable path and create conditions for long-term national development.

“Citizens should look at the focus of the government of today, that the mistakes of the past—the cumulative mistakes and the missed opportunities of the past—are being corrected in this particular administration,” he said.

Abbas, speaking on behalf of the President and the National Assembly leadership, further declared that Nigeria was moving in the right direction and that the sacrifices made by citizens would eventually produce better outcomes.

“And I want to categorically make it clear that Nigeria is on the right path; that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that Nigerians have finished making sacrifices for this country to be great again,” he said.

The message also contained a clear political appeal ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the President asking Nigerians to extend his administration’s mandate so that it can continue and complete the work it has started.

“We should give this government more opportunity for it to come back and finish the good work,” Abbas said.

The appeal comes as preparations for the 2027 elections increasingly shape political discourse across the country, with the Tinubu administration highlighting its reforms and seeking continued public support.

The Independence anniversary prayer provided an opportunity for reflection on Nigeria’s journey since October 1, 1960, while government officials used the occasion to urge citizens to remain hopeful about the country’s future.

The Federal Government had earlier announced that activities marking the 66th Independence Anniversary would be conducted on a low-key basis, with the programme including religious services, a public lecture and the President’s nationwide Independence Day broadcast.