By Zainab Rauf, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday charged governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives ...
By Zainab Rauf, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday charged governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen their connection with citizens at the grassroots level in order to deliver meaningful change and meet the expectations of Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement signed and released by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, following the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC held in Abuja.
The meeting also witnessed the election of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the party. Yilwatda was elected by consensus, following the resignation of the former chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots,” President Tinubu said at the meeting. “To you, the governors, you must wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and grant us more fertile lands.”
The President reiterated the APC’s openness to new members and fresh ideas, describing the opposition as “a coalition of confusion” and urging Nigerians with progressive values to join the ruling party.
“Our doors are still open, and we should wholeheartedly embrace those who join us,” he said, directing the newly elected chairman to set up a committee of National Working Committee members to tour states and ensure proper integration of new members.
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Dr. Ganduje for his service to the party, especially his efforts in promoting a progressive ideological framework. “I gave him an assignment on forming a progressive doctrine and a progressive institute. I believe the National Secretary will help revitalise and coordinate this effort,” the President stated.
Economic Gains and Security Updates
The President acknowledged that while Nigeria continues to face economic challenges, key indicators are showing signs of recovery. He revealed that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) recorded a revenue of N14.9 trillion in the first half of 2025, representing a 43 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
“It is not easy to navigate the stormy waters of economic instability. Now, the economy is stabilised—there is no fear for the country except for continued upward movement and sustained growth. I can assure you,” Tinubu assured party leaders.
He also noted that significant strides have been made in security operations, with thousands of terrorists and bandits neutralised across the country. “You can see that fear is decreasing. However, we must remain vigilant,” he warned.
New Chairman Pledges to Strengthen Party
In his acceptance speech, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda pledged to work tirelessly to build the APC into a more united, respected, and inclusive political institution.
“I do not take this mandate for granted. I accept it with gratitude and a complete sense of responsibility,” Yilwatda said. “We are all mechanics of this vehicle—the APC—and together, we will fix it and drive it to our destination.”
Yilwatda, who will step down as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, called on all party members to support his leadership, adding that their cooperation was essential to fulfilling the hopes of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Born in Plateau State, Yilwatda is a seasoned academic, technocrat, and digital governance expert. He was the APC governorship candidate in Plateau during the 2023 elections and previously served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Honours and Closing Remarks
The meeting also observed a minute’s silence in honour of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as two recently deceased elder statesmen—Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland—at the President’s request.
Although the two men were not APC members, President Tinubu said their “lives and contributions to national development command our respect.”
In a symbolic gesture, Tinubu urged APC governors to begin the process of acquiring land in Abuja for the construction of a permanent national party secretariat. “We should leave a legacy of development,” he said, directing the Progressive Governors’ Forum to work with the Minister of the FCT to actualise the project.
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