Tinubu says Nigeria’s revenue target met, dismisses Trump actions

• Former CPC leaders declare support for APC in 2027

• We are creating Asiwaju group to deliver votes in 2027 – Abbas

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has affirmed to members of The Buhari Organisation (TBO), led by Senator Tanko Almakura, former Governor of Nasarawa State, that he has met his revenue target for the year through the non-oil sector ahead of schedule and will remain focused on Nigeria’s progress despite external pressures, including actions from US President Donald Trump.

Addressing the political family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari at a recent audience, President Tinubu reflected on the early political alliance with Buhari, emphasising mutual respect and dedication to a progressive government. “Let me first apologise for coming late. That’s the difference between Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu. If it were him, he would be here right on time,” Tinubu joked, before expressing heartfelt thanks to attendees, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, former Katsina State Governor and former Speaker, Aminu Masari, Almakura, and others.

Reflecting on his early political alliance with late President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu recounted their spirited debates and mutual respect, saying, “He insisted on parliament and I insisted on broom. He’s so stubborn.” He acknowledged the legacy inherited from Buhari in honesty, transparency, and justice, pledging, “You won’t have anything less than that. You will have joy at the end of this journey, and we will definitely put something together to build a Buhari House that house will be a house of joy and prosperity.”

Tinubu also addressed his supporters reassuringly: “Don’t worry about the threats. When I see people like you, my determination is to work harder,” reaffirming his commitment to a progressive government building on Buhari’s legacy with hard work, consulting, and patience.

Highlighting economic achievements, Tinubu declared the stabilisation of the Nigerian economy, with exchange rates improving from N1900 to a dollar to N1450 at present. “The economy is stabilised; nobody is trading a piece of paper for an exchange rate anymore. When I took over, it was N1900 to a dollar. It’s N1,450 now. Rates have been stabilising now.” He promised continued efforts to create jobs through export, import, and industrial growth.

Most notably, Tinubu announced, “Nigeria is not borrowing. We have met our revenue target for the yea,r and we met it in August.” Projecting confidence against international challenges, he dismissed concerns over Donald Trump’s activities, saying, “If non-oil revenue is doing well, then have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side.” He revealed plans for a large mechanisation programme across all regions to boost food sovereignty and security, key to eradicating poverty.

Tinubu closed with a pledge rooted in Buhari’s principles: “Part of what we inherited from Buhari was his honesty, transparency, justice, that’s all. You won’t have anything less than that. You will have joy at the end of this journey, and we will definitely put something together to build a Buhari House that house will be a house of joy and prosperity.”

On food security, the President unveiled plans for a nationwide mechanisation programme, with farm centres established in every region to boost productivity, ensure food sovereignty, and lift millions out of poverty.

“Our path to food security is clear. Every region will have a mechanised farm centre. We are committed to removing poverty from our land, and that is the work we have already started,” the President stated.

Tinubu urged supporters to shun distraction by political noise ahead of 2027, assuring that his administration remains focused on reforms that will deliver prosperity.

“Don’t let anybody threaten you with uncertainty. We know the direction we are going, and we are certain of success. The legacy you will inherit from me is total commitment to justice, transparency and progress. At the end of this journey, it will be a house of joy and prosperity for all,” he said.

President Tinubu, responding to concerns about Nigeria’s embassies struggling financially abroad, raised by Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, acknowledged the complexity in fully staffing diplomatic positions. He said, “I couldn’t appoint everybody at once and thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for. But it’s not easy stitching those names. I’m looking at Tuggar’s revenue.”

Tuggar has openly acknowledged the severe financial strain on Nigerian diplomatic missions. He noted the need for funding to effectively run embassies, saying, “There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to even travel to their designated country and to run the missions effectively; one needs funding.”

Almakura, on behalf of TBO, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for honouring the late Buhari with dignity and full military honours during his burial, saying, “When our leader passed on, the nation grieved and mourned. At that point, you became a symbol of consolation as you presided over the entire procedure of his passage. You did not only bury Muhammadu Buhari but also honour him and ensured a befitting state burial with full military honours.”

Almakura further highlighted Tinubu’s comforting presence throughout the burial ceremonies, saying, “Apart from your presence throughout the ceremony, it was comforting as it was reassuring. You did not only pray for him but also wish him Aljanat-Firdaus.” He stressed the powerful statement of dignity and loyalty in Tinubu’s actions, thanking him “from the depth of our hearts.”

On the shared vision between Tinubu and Buhari, Almakura stated, “You and President Muhammadu Buhari shared more than a political alliance, you shared the vision of the Nigeria that has to do with discipline, justice, economic sovereignty and responsible governance.” He emphasised the unity of purpose beyond political benefits: “You were united by purpose and vision, not benefits. By a united Nigeria and not by political assemblage, together you conceptualised and built a foundation that makes the renewed hope agenda, which is a vision that is pragmatic, scientific and rewarding.”

Almakura called this vision “not just a slogan but a blueprint for national restoration,” and stressed their commitment to this focus in ensuring the party’s ultimate victory in 2027.

He pledged, “To this end, Mr President, we assure you of our full and unwavering support for you and the administration and our party, the APC, which remains our hope and platform, our pride and our course to sustain our gains and the future.”

He also applauded Tinubu’s peace efforts amid challenges and urged continued security vigilance, stating, “While commending you and your government for your efforts in promoting peace and unity despite the challenges you met on the ground, we are urging you not to relent in ensuring every part of this country is secure.” Ending on a note of loyalty and encouragement, Almakura said, “Mr President, on behalf of all of us, we thank you for this opportunity. We assure you of our loyalty and commitment to you and your government is irrevocable. May Almighty God continue to grant you the strength, wisdom and protection to lead this nation to the promised land”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abass, assured Tinubu of unconditional support from former members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He praised Tinubu’s role in partnership with Buhari that turned the CPC dream into reality and expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s support during Buhari’s burial proceedings.

Abass emphasised the unity and strength of the CPC members, stating, “I’m sure from the calibre of people you see here, you will be convinced that CPC, that the notion that it is broken or not with this administration is a lie. More than 90 percent of those who were active during the time of CPC are present.” He expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s pivotal role in the partnership that realized the long-held dream of many CPC members: “We want to thank you for the support you have given to our late former President, who attempted to be President several times but God did not answer his prayer until when you came into the picture in 2010 to offer a hand of partnership, a partnership that will turn actualise the dream of every CPC member. That support you gave today, every CPC member is proud of.”

Regarding Tinubu’s support during Buhari’s burial, Abass highlighted, “The unprecedented support you gave to his family during his demise was unprecedented in the history of Nigeria for any former leader to be accorded sucha  kind of respect. The people you sent to the United Kingdom to pay the last respect and bring the corpse back, and the times that you and the First Lady went to Katsina and Kaduna, are really commendable, Your Excellency. We appreciate all that you did and may Almighty God reward you.”

Reaffirming loyalty, Abass declared, “We are together today with you, tomorrow and forever.” He outlined a robust plan for mobilisation, saying, “Your Excellency, I want on behalf of former CPC members, to assure you that CPC in every state will go back home and create former CPC members for Asiwaju in our states. And that movement will also be cascaded to local areas, in all the wards, units in all our states. We will continue to gather support for you for your administration and 2027. Insha Allah, CPC members will be at the forefront of your support and ensure you come back to continue the good work you are doing in this country.”

Abass also acknowledged the growing influence of CPC in government, noting, “This is the first time Your Excellency that we have three governors serving under this administration that are all CPC extraction. Even under the previous administration, we were only having one, that is the former governor of Nasarawa state. Today, we have three members, so many members of the House of Representatives, so many chief executives who are in this government and we believe that a lot of them are able to make it because of your support.” He concluded by praying for Tinubu’s protection and success: “God bless you your excellency, protect you. We are together and will continue to support you” .

The delegation included Abdulraheem Shittu, former Minister of Communications; Waziri Bulama, former APC National Secretary; Haruna Hima, former House of Representatives member; Garba Mohammed, former Deputy Minority Whip; Ibrahim Baba, CPC governorship candidate and RMAFC commissioner; Mary Efere, CPC governorship candidate; Farouk Adamu Aliyu, CPC governorship candidate; and other prominent CPC stalwarts.

They were joined by former commissioners, advisers, national officers, women leaders of the Buhari Support Organisation, and ex-members of the CPC National Executive Council.