President Bola Tinubu has downplayed speculation about his 2027 re-election bid.

Instead, the Nigerian leader says he is committed to revitalizing Nigeria’s economy for the benefit of its citizens.

Tinubu made the remark at the 2024 South West Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he was represented by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

He used the opportunity to assure Nigerians that his administration prioritizes long-term progress over short-term political gains.

Gbajabiamila said: “Mr. President has asked me to tell you that he is not thinking of the next election but of the next generation. He has asked me to convey his message, that he knows he has taken a very tough decision. He sees the light at the end of the tunnel. The time will come when we will all thank him for the decision.

”Mr. President said I should let you know that he is not thinking of the next election but the next generation.

“For every moment in a country, a particular leader is produced for that time. This is the time to produce a leader that is courageous.”

According to Gbajabiamila: “The challenges of our country are diverse, they are very immense. You cannot know the extent until you get there, I see that Mr. President has nothing in his mind but the progress of Nigeria.

“For those of us that know him very well, he has a love for the masses. As the people are complaining, he is also pained but when a man has a strong conviction of what he is doing, he pursues it.”

Prominent APC figures, including Chief Bisi Akande, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and governors from Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti states, publicly endorsed Tinubu’s re-election and the party’s 2027 candidates.

Former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi praised Tinubu as a “listening leader” with unwavering determination.

The event, hosted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, brought together South-West party leaders, senators, representatives, and local government officials.