President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are facing amid ongoing economic reforms, saying he too has experienced weight loss and sleepless nights since assuming office.

Tinubu made the remarks while addressing party leaders and supporters at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja after emerging winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary.

The President secured 10,999,162 votes in the nationwide direct primary election, defeating his only challenger, Stanley Osifo, who polled 16,503 votes.

Speaking after his victory was announced, Tinubu said the reforms introduced by his administration were difficult but necessary to rebuild the country.

“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.

He noted that he willingly accepted the responsibility of leadership after contesting for the presidency in 2022.

“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 added.

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Tinubu Praises Peaceful APC Primary

The President also commended party members for conducting what he described as a peaceful and orderly primary election without violence or rancour.

According to him, he monitored the exercise across the country and was encouraged by the level of participation and calmness during the process.

“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.”

Economic Reforms And Public Reaction

Tinubu’s administration has implemented several major economic reforms over the past three years, including:

• Fuel subsidy removal
• Exchange rate reforms
• Tax and fiscal adjustments

While the government argues that the measures are necessary for long-term economic stability, many Nigerians have continued to express concerns over:

• Rising cost of living
• Inflation
• Food prices
• Transportation costs

The President’s comments come amid ongoing national debate over the impact of the reforms on ordinary citizens and businesses.