President Bola Tinubu has criticised opposition politicians, accusing them of failing to uphold the democratic principles they claim to support.
The remarks were contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga following a meeting on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja, where Tinubu hosted a delegation of political leaders from Enugu State led by Governor Peter Mbah.
Speaking during the meeting, the president said Nigeria’s democracy would remain resilient despite what he described as attempts at intimidation.
“Democracy will survive, despite all the intimidation,” he said, urging political actors to “stay focused” amid criticism.
Tinubu also criticised past decisions in the power sector, saying,
“You have leaders who have privatised electricity that is not working. They gave us darkness,” while noting that his administration is working to improve the situation.
The president further defended his government’s economic approach, stressing the importance of long-term planning. He added that financing long-term projects with short-term funding had contributed to past challenges.
“We have not embarked upon a serious long-term outlook for our country,” he said.
He reiterated his criticism of political opponents, stating, “They do not even believe in the democracy that they preach,” while maintaining that his administration would remain focused on governance and national development.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s economic potential, saying the country continues to lead in terms of growth and opportunity across Africa. He added that national progress requires collective effort across all tiers of government.
According to the statement, Mbah expressed support for Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027. The president acknowledged the support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national prosperity.
In a separate meeting last week Thursday with a delegation led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Tinubu said he is not deterred by political pressure ahead of the next general elections.
“They want to scare me off? It is a lie,” he said, adding that he remains committed to leading the country.
