The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled The Progressive Institute (TPI), a think tank and resource centre to enhance the party’s policy capacity and promote inclusiveness in governance. 
  
This was as the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) announced a strategic leadership transition to drive the organisation’s mission forward. Outgoing Spokesman of POMR and Chief Spokesperson of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has been appointed as the interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.
 
The APC unveiling, which took place in Abuja at the weekend, had top government officials, civil society organisations, non-state actors and members of the diplomatic corps in attendance.
 
In his keynote address, APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, emphasised the significance of TPI as the party’s official policy think tank. He explained that the institute would undertake research and provide advice on policy performance and programmes of APC governments, ensuring that the party’s manifesto and ideology were effectively implemented.
 
Ganduje stressed the importance of TPI in promoting robust discussion between the party, academia, civil society and the media.  He noted that the collaborative approach would enhance the party’s ability to provide policy advice and suggestions for consideration by governments elected on its platform.
 
“TPI will provide the platform for robust discussion between the party, Nigeria’s academic community, the civil society and the media as part of a deliberate effort to promote inclusiveness and ownership.
 
“The essence is to enhance the policy capacity of the party, especially to enable it to provide policy advice and suggestions for the consideration of governments elected on its platform,” he stated.
 
Director General of TPI, Dr Lanre Adenayo, expressed the institute’s commitment to emerging as a centre of excellence in education, research and innovation.  
 
He emphasised TPI’s role in contributing to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy through collaborative partnerships and cutting-edge initiatives. Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, delivered an inaugural lecture entitled ‘Sustaining Progressive Ideology as a Bedrock of Democracy’. 
 
He highlighted the significance of TPI in promoting welfare and positive change in Nigeria’s political landscape. Other speakers at the event included Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Baru; and Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State.  President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, performed the unveiling. 

IN his new role, Tanko will lead the coordination of the Obidient Movement’s activities, both nationally and internationally, aligning with the movement’s vision of creating a new Nigeria. 
 
The Obidient Movement, launched in 2023, represented the philosophy and dreams of Peter Obi, uniting individuals across political parties and non-politicians, both in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
 
Ibrahim Umar was appointed as the new Spokesman of POMR.   POMR stated, yesterday: “We congratulate Tanko on his new position and welcome Umar to the team. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for POMR and the Obidient Movement.”
 
“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public to cooperate with these Nigerians in their new endeavour as we continue the struggle towards dismantling the gang of political criminals holding our dear nation hostage. New Nigeria is Possible.”