Hardship: If You Lost Weight, I’ve Lost Some Too – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday acknowledged the hardship Nigerians have endured under his administration’s economic reforms, saying he too has shared in the sacrifices and personal strain brought about by the measures.

The President made the remarks shortly after accepting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 election, following his victory in the party’s presidential primary.

Speaking at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu said he understands the difficulties citizens have faced since the introduction of key fiscal and economic reforms, stressing that the burden has not been borne by Nigerians alone.

“I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters. If you lost sleep, I’ve lost some too. If you’ve lost weight, I’ve lost some too,” Tinubu said.

The President added that despite the challenges associated with the reforms, he remains committed to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him by Nigerians.

“But I’ve always remembered one thing: in 2022, I asked for this job. You all supported me and I got it. So I must do it,” he stated.

Tinubu formally accepted the APC nomination and expressed appreciation to party members for giving him another opportunity to seek the nation’s highest office.

“I accept with profound humility and gratitude the nomination of our great party, the APC, to stand again as your presidential candidate in the 2027 election,” he said.

Reflecting on the primary exercise, the President revealed that he closely monitored developments across the country after casting his vote in Lagos on Saturday.

According to him, the large turnout of party supporters and the peaceful conduct of the exercise were encouraging signs for Nigeria’s democracy.

“I was glued to the television after voting. I saw the mammoth crowd in Kano and Kaduna, the city boy walking the streets of Calabar,” he said.

“It was a good feeling to see that there was no bloodshed, no rancour. This is politics in earnest. This is where we want Nigeria, facing one focus.”

Tinubu emerged as the APC presidential candidate after securing 10,999,162 votes in the direct primary conducted across the country’s 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards on Saturday.

His sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, polled 16,503 votes. The APC subsequently declared Tinubu winner of the contest and presented him with the party’s flag for the 2027 presidential election.