…Shettima urges reconciliation and unity among party leaders
State governors elected on the platform of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside other party leaders, on Tuesday recommitted to strengthening grassroots mobilisation to advance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, meanwhile, said the administration is shifting its focus from stabilisation in 2025 to acceleration in 2026, with the proposed N58.18 trillion 2026 budget anchoring the next phase of reforms.
In a statement, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), said the governors and party leaders made the recommitment during the PGF Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit 2026 held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Representing President Tinubu at the summit, Shettima told party leaders, governors under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), and Renewed Hope Ambassadors that the moment called for reflection on the administration’s reforms, the sacrifices made, and the responsibility to translate vision into measurable impact for Nigerians.
“As we advance into 2026, our focus shifts from stabilisation to acceleration,” the Vice President said.
He noted that the N58.18 trillion budget would anchor the new phase, highlighting what he described as a historic allocation to national security and substantial capital expenditure.
“With prudent revenue projections, we are scaling growth while strengthening resilience,” he added.
Shettima said the administration’s tax reforms were introduced to protect vulnerable citizens, encourage enterprise and entrench transparency in public finance.
He also cited a recent executive order on remittances to the Federation Account, describing it as a measure designed to safeguard revenues, eliminate duplication, curb waste and ensure responsible management of public resources.
The Vice President said the administration had chosen “the path of honesty and discipline” from the outset, confronting structural distortions and restoring fiscal credibility.
“Today, we are seeing clear signs that our reforms have begun to yield results. Inflationary pressures are moderating, fuel prices are easing, and our currency is strong and stable,” he said.
Shettima added that five of the seven major investment decisions taken in Africa in 2025 were in Nigeria, which he described as evidence of renewed investor confidence.
However, he acknowledged that reforms cannot succeed without public understanding and participation, identifying communication as a strategic priority.
“This platform shall serve as an avenue for civic engagement. Ambassadors must explain why tough decisions had to be made and how they lead to jobs, security, enterprise, opportunity and a more stable future.
“They must counter misinformation with facts, replace rumour with evidence, and ensure Nigerians have access to the truth. They must also serve as a channel for feedback, bringing community concerns and lived experiences back to government.”
He stressed that political success depends on engagement beyond digital platforms.
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“Elections are not conducted on social media platforms; they are conducted by Nigerians. This summit affirms our commitment to a shared future of promise and peace for all Nigerians,” he said.
Referring to the situation in Benue State, Shettima urged reconciliation among party leaders.
“I want to use this forum to appeal to the SGF and Governor Alia to mend fences and move the state forward,” he said.
Earlier, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda expressed concern that many of the administration’s achievements had not received adequate visibility due to poor communication.
“Good governance without communication is invisible. I’ve visited many states and seen impressive projects, but they are not being effectively communicated,” he said.
Yilwatda said this communication gap informed the establishment of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors structure.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, said stakeholders were working to unify the party structure into a stronger and more cohesive political family.
He said patriotic and accurate communication of the administration’s socio-economic reforms was necessary to build citizens’ trust.
“Lack of citizen understanding creates perception gaps,” Uzodinma said, citing improvements in food prices and increased domestic refining capacity, including the operations of the Dangote Refinery.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged authorities to allow members of the public to contribute meaningfully to governance efforts.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a unifying national message.
Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, speaking on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.
Looking ahead, he said the team remained committed to deepening reforms to create jobs, attract investment and sustain economic transformation.
