They don’t believe in the democracy they preach’ — Tinubu slams opposition politicians

President Bola Tinubu has criticised opposition politicians, accusing them of undermining democratic values while claiming to uphold them.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, Tinubu spoke on Tuesday when he hosted a delegation of political leaders from Enugu, led by Peter Mbah, governor of the state, at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

While addressing the delegation, the president insisted that democracy would endure in Nigeria despite what he described as intimidation.

“Democracy will survive, despite all the intimidation. Ignore it, as I advise myself; stay focused. When you are succeeding and they are angry, leave them in their corner,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu also criticised past governance decisions, particularly in the power sector, stressing the need to stay focused on rebuilding the country.

“You have leaders who have privatised electricity that is not working. They gave us darkness, as you said, and we are trying to get ourselves through that to build a nation of bright hope and joyful people,” he said.

“But they don’t even believe in the democracy that they preach all about. Don’t pay attention to them because I don’t.

“We stay on our lanes. We stay focused. We build our life on people, the welfare, the prosperity, and the promise of today and tomorrow.”

The president further defended his administration’s economic and governance approach, stressing the need for long-term planning in national development.

“What has been the problem in the past is a Nigerian that is trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding,” he said.

“We have not embarked upon a serious long-term outlook for our country.”

He also praised Nigeria’s economic potential, noting that the country remains a leading force on the continent despite its challenges.

“When you look at the indices around African growth and economic opportunity today, Nigeria is still leading. And it is with the contributions of people like you that is making it so,” he said.

Tinubu noted that national progress is a collective effort involving all tiers of government.

“It’s not a one-man occasion. It’s a collective effort at the national, sub-national, and local government. Please do more for the local government,” he said.

‘NIGERIA OF OUR DREAM IS ACHIEVABLE’

According to the statement, Mbah assured Tinubu of Enugu state’s support for his re-election in 2027.

The president appreciated the expressions of support from the governor, describing him as “a member of the progressive family today.”

We do everything to ensure that Nigerian dreams are realised. The hope you enunciated in your remarks is not a pipe dream. It’s something for real that is achievable, and it will be achieved as we are working together,” Tinubu said.

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying his administration remains committed to delivering national prosperity.

“Greatness will become that of Nigeria. Nigeria of our dream is achievable, and we will definitely do that together,” he said.

Tinubu thanked Mbah and his delegation, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to governance despite challenges.

We will continue to work hard. It is not easy. You know what you handed over to us and we are in it, navigating the rough waterways,” he said.

“But we will launch this ship very well to steer Nigeria and bring prosperity to our economy. Thank you very much.”

The delegation included Kingsley Udeh, minister of innovation, science and technology; Sunday Aneke, chief of air staff; Ken Nnamani, former senate president; Emmanuel Ogalla, former chief of naval staff; Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former governors of Enugu; and Jim Nwobodo, former governor of old Anambra.

On Thursday, Tinubu made a similar remark while receiving a delegation of the renewed hope ambassadors led by Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, at the State House in Abuja.

The president said he is unfazed by mounting political pressure from the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

“They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I’ve been through this path before,” Tinubu said.

“And if I have to come back over and over again, I’ll do the same thing. There is no better place than your own country. And no one can build it except you.”