President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to redouble their commitment to development, security, and grassroots mobilisation, stressing the imperative of leaving behind a legacy of progressive governance.
Speaking at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President also announced 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,” Tinubu declared.
The President, 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 was 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 toward 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.
In a symbolic show of unity, Tinubu welcomed Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, both of whom were formerly members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Our doors remain open,” the President said.
He congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on the Supreme Court verdict affirming his candidacy 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 water the grass more. Lead the charge in delivering progressive change. We need more zonal-level engagements to boost mobilisation and unity,” he said.
He concluded with a prayer: “May God bless our democracy and give us more fertile lands.”
Following the ratification of his nomination by consensus, the new APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, pledged to lead the party with inclusiveness, unity, and a strong sense of responsibility.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu, APC governors, the National Assembly caucus, and other stakeholders for their confidence in him.
“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 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.”
He pledged to build an inclusive leadership anchored on cooperation, trust, and collective ownership of the party’s goals.
“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 said.
Yilwatda expressed confidence that the APC, under Tinubu’s leadership, will deliver on the mandate entrusted to it by millions of Nigerians.
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.
“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 paid tribute to outgoing National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for his service to the party and country, and called for a swift nomination of a unifying successor.
