President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intensify efforts toward delivering meaningful development, bolstering national security, and engaging more directly with grassroots communities.
Speaking during the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu stressed the importance of building a legacy anchored in progressive leadership.
During his address, the President also revealed plans to establish a new, modern party secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), tasking governors with facilitating the acquisition of land for the proposed project.
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“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,” Tinubu stated.
The President, who received a fresh vote of confidence from APC leaders present, restated his administration’s commitment to ongoing economic reforms. He noted that although the journey has been turbulent, the nation’s financial direction is now more stable.
“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 the security front, President Tinubu highlighted gains made in the fight against terrorism and criminal activities. However, he warned against complacency and called for sustained investment in security infrastructure and manpower.
“We must remain vigilant and continue expanding investment in security infrastructure and personnel. That is the only path to lasting peace,” he asserted.
Addressing food security, Tinubu encouraged state governments to support federal initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and reducing reliance on imported food.
“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,” the President said.
Demonstrating his willingness to foster unity, Tinubu acknowledged the presence of Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta—both former members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).“Our doors remain open,” he noted.
He also congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo for his affirmation by the Supreme Court as the APC’s standard bearer in Edo State, and praised the launch of the “Edo Line” public transport initiative as a step in the right direction.
Tinubu then turned attention to lingering public dissatisfaction in various communities, urging APC governors to enhance grassroots outreach and ensure visible improvements that resonate with citizens.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. You must water the grass more. Lead the charge in delivering progressive change. We need more zonal-level engagements to boost mobilisation and unity,” he advised.
He ended his remarks with a prayer: “May God bless our democracy and give us more fertile lands.”
Following the NEC’s unanimous endorsement, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda officially assumed the position of National Chairman of the APC. In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda pledged to steer the party with a focus on inclusion, collective ownership, and unity.
“Let me express my profound gratitude to God and the leadership of the party, from the President to the governors, National Assembly members and NEC, for entrusting me with this great responsibility,” he said.
Describing his new role as deeply humbling, Yilwatda drew an analogy likening the party to a vehicle needing repair and care from all its members.
“Together, we will fix it and drive it to our desired destination,” he stated, assuring party stakeholders of his intention to expand and strengthen the APC from within.
“I will work with everyone in the party, unite, build and expand the APC. You are the focus, the building blocks, and the support I need to move this vehicle forward,” he pledged.
Yilwatda also expressed optimism that the party, under Tinubu’s stewardship, would successfully fulfill its mandate to Nigerians.
On his part, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, praised the President for introducing bold reforms and for stabilising key sectors of the economy.
“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,” Uzodimma said.
He lauded Tinubu for ushering in what he called a “new era of strategic governance” and cautioned against what he described as “divisive and irresponsible conduct” from individuals posing as opposition elements working to destabilise national unity.
The Imo governor also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and advocated for the swift appointment of a new leader who could unify and strengthen the party ahead of future political contests.
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