…new APC Chairman, Yileatda, pledges unity, expansion
Amidst growing economic challenges, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday tasked governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the need to respond to the needs of the ordinary Nigerians, by focusing more on security, food and infrastructure.
“Now that the economy is stabilising, there is no other direction for this country except upward. I can assure you of that,” Tinubu said at 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking on security, the president reiterated that a significant progress in tackling terrorism and banditry, noting that “thousands of terrorists and bandits have been neutralised.”
The president then 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.
Read also: Food inflation climbs marginally in June on high pepper, tomato costs
The President also assured his party of plans to establish a befitting national secretariat for the party in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“We should leave a legacy of development. Twenty-three 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,” he said.
The President said his administration’s drive toward food sovereignty remains a major focus, even as he urged the 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.
The party members had earlier expressed fresh vote of confidence, reaffirming their support for his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, stating that Nigeria’s financial trajectory was already beginning to stabilise.
Tinubu welcomed Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, both of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — whose presence he described as a gesture of national solidarity.
“Our doors remain open,” the President said.
He congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state on the Supreme Court verdict affirming his candidacy in Edo State and commended the recent commissioning of the “Edo Line” transport initiative.
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.
Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, innjos welcome address, applauded the President’s transformative leadership and called for internal reforms to reposition the APC.
“Under your administration, we have made irreversible progress, in the economy, security architecture, recalibration of the oil subsystem for long-term national benefit, unification of the foreign exchange system, and governance reforms that have revived investor confidence,” he said.
He lauded Tinubu for initiating a “new era of strategic governance,” and cautioned against “divisive and irresponsible conduct” by self-proclaimed opposition voices that undermine national unity.
Uzodimma also paid tribute to outgoing National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for his service to the party and country, and called for a swift nomination of a unifying successor.
Read also: Lagos rolls out N500bn programme to bolster food security
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 Professor Nentawe Yilwatda from Plateau State (North Central) as National Chairman.
Reassign AbdulKarim Kana, current National Legal Adviser from Nasarawa State (North Central), as Deputy National Secretary.
Nominate Barrister 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 until December 31, 2025, to ensure continuity amidst ongoing political activities.
His motion was seconded by Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives
He commended the party’s ongoing digital membership registration, led by National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, calling it a “timely innovation” that would expand inclusion and strengthen internal democracy.
Uzodimma assured that “The future of APC is bright. The leadership of President Tinubu continues to inspire renewed confidence in governance. Let us stay united and focused on delivering progress for every Nigerian.”
