President Bola Tinubu has urged APC Governors and the new party National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, to prioritise progressive reforms and development, especially at the grassroots.
The President gave the charge on Thursday during the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
He called on party leaders to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and reinforce internal party structures for broader political engagement and success.
“With the space we’ve created for aspiring members to join us, our doors remain open, and we should embrace them wholeheartedly,” Tinubu said.
He proposed the formation of a national working committee to ensure seamless registration for new members across all states of the federation.
“We may form a party of elders, as the new chairman suggested, to oversee nationwide registration and ensure a smooth onboarding process for all new members,” he said.
The President expressed concern about slow governance at the local level and urged governors to deliver more democratic dividends to citizens.
“I appreciate the confidence votes from the zones. We must meet regularly to boost grassroots mobilisation and promote party unity.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. Governors, you must water the grass more and lead in delivering progressive change to the people,” he said.
He also stressed the need for a permanent APC national secretariat and tasked governors with leading the land acquisition process.
“Let us leave a legacy of development. Progressive governors should work with the FCT Minister to find land for a befitting party secretariat,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to economic stability and ongoing reforms, assuring Nigerians of better prospects ahead.
“I thank you all. It’s not easy navigating economic instability. But now, with stability, we face no fear — only upward growth,” he said.
He pledged greater efforts toward food security, peace, and national stability, adding that the government remains focused on delivering key priorities.
“We must invest more in our country’s future. Those working with me will ensure we secure a sovereign food guarantee for Nigeria.
“We will keep working hard and listening to all of you to meet the nation’s goals and expectations,” he said.
The NEC meeting was attended by APC governors, ministers, lawmakers, and senior party officials from across the country.
Yilwatda assumes APC leadership, says 2027 secured
Meanwhile, the newly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged to grow the party’s membership and secure a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda made the promise while addressing the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday in Abuja upon assuming office.
Yilwatda emerged unopposed during the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
While the APC’s NEC is its second-highest decision-making body, the NWC remains its top administrative organ.
“I count it a rare privilege, and I must appreciate God, the leadership of our party, our governors, National Assembly members, and NWC members.
“I also appreciate the teeming loyal supporters of the APC for placing this burden of trust on me. It is both a privilege and a weighty responsibility,” Yilwatda said.
He vowed to unite and expand the party with the support of stakeholders.
“I will work with everyone to build the party, deepen its structure, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Yilwatda assured that under his leadership, the APC would become stronger and more attractive to Nigerians.
“Our doors are open. We look forward to welcoming more governors, lawmakers, local government chairmen, and members of opposition parties,” he said, confidently declaring that “2027 is a done deal for the APC.”
He also promised to enhance the party’s use of technology and ensure transparency in its operations.
Yilwatda noted that the APC enjoyed widespread support from Nigerians at home and abroad who were committed to the party’s success.
His nomination as national chairman by Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) was seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Yilwatda succeeds Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned on June 27 due to health reasons. His resignation led to the short tenure of Ali Dalori as acting chairman.
Before his appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs in 2024, Yilwatda was the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections.
Born on Aug. 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, he hails from a cleric’s family, the late Rev. and Mrs Toma.
He brings a wealth of administrative and electoral experience, having served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benue State from 2017.
Yilwatda is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
He is also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria.