• Says Nigerians disappointed with pace of governance
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has challenged governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to redouble their efforts and deliver development at the grassroots, noting that many Nigerians were dissatisfied with the pace of governance and the tangible benefits of democracy.
Speaking at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC at the State House Centre, he called on the governors to intensify efforts at developing grassroots. He urged them to “wet the grass more” for greater impact in communities across Nigeria.
The President whose speech focussed on party unity, economic stability, and development, said: “Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. To you the governors, you have to wet the grass more and lead the way in delivering progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and give us more fertile lands.”
Emphasising collective responsibility, Tinubu said: “We should leave a legacy of development, and the governors are here—23 of them—to help identify with the Minister of FCT. We should put a committee of progressive governors together to find an appropriate land for a befitting secretariat. I believe without hesitation, the motion and the suggestion is carried.”
President Tinubu assured party members and the nation that economic reforms were steadying Nigeria’s trajectory. “It is not easy to navigate the stormy waters of economic instability. Now that the economy is stabilised, there is no other fear for the country except upward movement and sustained growth, I can assure you,” he stated.
On national security, he reported notable progress: “Thousands of terrorists and bandits have been neutralised and you can see that fear is going down. But we still have to be very serious and vigilant. We must put additional investment in our people, retain our people, and be serious about security.”
He welcomed new members and celebrated party victories.“Once again, I welcome Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and other political leaders who have joined us—our doors remain open. I also congratulate Senator Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on the Supreme Court affirmation of his mandate; we see his dancing steps after the judgment.”
Underscoring the continuing mission, he added: “We need to invest more and that is about our party. We will continue to grow.”
President Tinubu reaffirmed a commitment to national growth, saying: “We will continue to work hard for Nigerians and listen to all of you to achieve the expected goals of this country.”
He also acknowledged the widespread votes of confidence passed on his leadership by party stakeholders across the country’s zones. “I accept the confidence vote expressed today and the ones already expressed at the zonal centres. But we must now translate that trust into action. We must strengthen our chapters and build unity within the party.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, lauded the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted what he described as “irreversible progress” in various sectors, including the economy, security architecture, oil sector reforms, foreign exchange unification, and fiscal reforms, which he stated have restored investor confidence in Nigeria.
“These actions have not gone unnoticed,” Uzodimma affirmed, noting commendations from development agencies, multilateral institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and both local and international observers for the President’s “courageous and visionary leadership.” He asserted that “a new era of strategic governance is taking root in Nigeria under his watch.”
However, the PGF Chairman also used the platform to condemn “divisive and irresponsible conduct” by elements claiming to be the new opposition, whose actions he said do not reflect the spirit of statesmanship, patriotism, or national unity. He urged APC members to remain focused, united and responsible to Nigerian citizens who have placed their hope in the party.
Uzodimma also addressed the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as national chairman of the party. On behalf of all progressive governors, he expressed profound appreciation for Ganduje’s service to both the party and the nation.
He emphasised the imperative to “quickly move to nominate a capable and unifying replacement,” one who can build on the laid foundation and reposition the party.
Commending the progress made on the APC’s membership e-registration exercise, Uzodimma described it as a “vital step in the deepening of internal democracy, ensuring credible data-driven planning and opening new channels of inclusion.” He encouraged the continuation of this innovation as the party modernises its operations.
In a significant move, Uzodimma then formally moved a motion that would see key changes in the party’s national leadership structure. He proposed that the office of the national chairman be zoned from the North East to the North Central geopolitical zone. Concurrently, he moved that the office of the national legal adviser, currently in the North Central, be moved to the North West.
Specifically, Uzodimma nominated Yilwatda from Plateau State (North Central) to be elected as the National Chairman of the APC. He further proposed that the current National Legal Adviser, Karim Kana, assume the role of National Deputy Secretary. For the National Legal Adviser position, Murtala from Katsina State (North West) was nominated.
Additionally, citing compressed political activities within the party, Uzodimma moved to extend the tenure of ward and local government executives until December 31, 2025.
The motion was subsequently seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, indicating broad support for the proposed changes within the party leadership.
Among those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; APC governors and former governors; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and other senior party leaders.
