PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, yesterday, took a swipe at the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress, ADC, describing it as a “coalition of confusion.”
Speaking at the 14th meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, where Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda emerged as the party’s new national chairman, Tinubu said it is not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship.
Specifically, Tinubu said: “It’s not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship and be absent from a coalition of confusion.”
The ADC has recently gained support from top opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
The president’s taunt elicited immediate response from the opposition. Those who criticized him include the ADC, Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, and Mr. Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Tinubu asks APC governors to reduce hardship
President Tinubu, meanwhile, charged APC governors at the meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to redouble their commitment to development, security, and grassroots mobilisation, stressing the imperative of leaving behind a legacy of progressive governance.
The President lamented the level of hardship in rural communities despite the quantum of money available to state governors and advised them to ‘wet the grass’.
The President, who also announced plans to establish a befitting national secretariat for the party in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said: “We should leave a legacy of development. 23 governors are here to help identify land with the FCT Minister. We should form a committee of progressive governors to secure a suitable location for the new secretariat. I believe, without hesitation, the motion is carried.”
Confidence vote
Tinubu, who received a renewed vote of confidence from party leaders at the meeting, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, stating that Nigeria’s financial trajectory is already beginning to stabilise.
It’s not easy to navigate stormy economic waters. But now that the economy is stabilising, there is no other direction for this country except upward. I can assure you of that,” he said.
On security, Tinubu reported significant progress in tackling terrorism and banditry, noting that “thousands of terrorists and bandits have been neutralised,” but warned against complacency.
“We must remain vigilant and continue expanding investment in security infrastructure and personnel. That is the only path to lasting peace,” he stated.
He also emphasised the administration’s drive towards food sovereignty and urged governors to key into ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting local food production and reducing import dependence.
“We are working hard to ensure food sovereignty. Those working with me will continue to push this agenda. We must engage all stakeholders to meet our national objectives,” he added.
Welcomes Oborevwhori, Eno, fetes Okpebholo
In a symbolic show of unity, Tinubu welcomed Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, who defected from the PDP recently and described their presence as a gesture of national solidarity.
“Our doors remain open,” the President said.
He congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on the Supreme Court verdict affirming his victory in Edo State and commended the recent commissioning of the “Edo Line” transport initiative.
Noting persistent complaints from citizens, Tinubu charged APC governors to intensify grassroots engagement and lead efforts to deliver tangible change.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. You must wet the grass more. Lead the charge in delivering progressive change. We need more zonal-level engagements to boost mobilisation and unity,” he said.
He thanked the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje for his services, noting that he gave the former Kano governor an assignment to establish a progressive institute and he delivered.
“I gave him an assignment on the formation of a progressive institute, the National Secretary will work with the chairman to revitalize it and we can still take him (Ganduje) as a consultant to work with the new chairman to do that,” he said.
Tinubu also explained that the shift in dates of states, Local Governments and Wards congresses to December is to allow for the accommodation of more people who are being expected to join the party soon.
How Yilwatda emerged as chairman
Earlier, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, applauded President Tinubu’s transformative leadership and called for internal reforms to reposition the APC.
Uzodimma paid tribute to outgoing National Chairman, Dr Ganduje, for his service to the party and country, and called for a swift nomination of a unifying successor.
To that end, he moved a motion for NEC to return the office of APC National Chairman to the North Central zone from the North-East; nominate and elect Prof. Yilwatda from Plateau State (North Central) as National Chairman; reassign Prof. AbdulKarim Kana, current National Legal Adviser from Nasarawa State (North-Central), as Deputy National Secretary; nominate Mr. Murtala from Katsina State (North West) as the new National Legal Adviser.
Uzodimma also moved that the tenure of ward and local government executives be extended till December 31, 2025, to ensure continuity amidst ongoing political activities.
His motion, seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, received wide support from the NEC.
Responding, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s 2023 Plateau State governorship candidate, and current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, said: “Let me express my profound gratitude to God and to the leadership of the party, from the President to the governors, National Assembly members and NEC, for entrusting me with this great responsibility.”
Describing his emergence as “humbling,” Yilwatda likened the APC to a vehicle, and party members as its mechanics, saying, “Together, we will fix it and drive it to our desired destination.”
