I’ve lost sleep, weight too – Tinubu admits economic hardship

 President Bola Tinubu on Sunday stated that the economic reforms introduced by his administration have not only been difficult for Nigerians but have also taken a personal toll on him, noting that he has also experienced loss of sleep and weight alongside citizens.

He made the remarks after formally accepting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.

Speaking at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja shortly after being announced winner of the APC presidential primary, where he secured 10,999,162 votes, Tinubu said the hardship associated with ongoing fiscal and economic reforms is a shared national experience over the last three years.

He said, “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.

“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.”

In his acceptance speech, Tinubu expressed appreciation to the party for once again entrusting him with its ticket.

“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 also revealed that he followed proceedings of the primary election on television after casting his vote in Lagos on Saturday morning, describing the turnout across the country as encouraging and motivating.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu emerged winner of the direct primary conducted across the 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards nationwide, polling 10,999,162 votes, while his only challenger, Stanley Osifo, scored 16,503 votes.