By Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has urged governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s new National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to prioritise grassroots development and address rising complaints from citizens at the local level.
Speaking at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, the President charged party leaders to intensify efforts in grassroots mobilisation, internal party cohesion, and delivery of democratic dividends to Nigerians. He warned that lingering discontent at the grassroots poses a threat to the party’s political fortunes if not urgently addressed.
“With the space we’ve created for aspiring members to join us, our doors remain open, and we should embrace them wholeheartedly,” Tinubu said, as he proposed the formation of a National Working Committee tasked with streamlining membership registration across the country.
“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,” the President added.
Expressing concerns over reports of ineffective governance at the local level, Tinubu urged APC governors to intensify their presence and leadership in driving progressive reforms directly impacting grassroots communities.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. Governors, you must water the grass more and lead in delivering progressive change to the people,” Tinubu declared. He emphasised that regular engagements among party leaders are essential for strengthening mobilisation and ensuring party unity across all geopolitical zones.
In a bid to institutionalise the party’s presence, the President also called for the establishment of a permanent APC national secretariat. He tasked the governors with spearheading the land acquisition process in collaboration with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“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, underlining the need for a symbolic headquarters that reflects the party’s status as Nigeria’s ruling party.
On the national economy, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to stabilisation and long-term growth. He acknowledged the challenges faced in navigating economic turbulence but assured that the current trajectory was now on a path of upward recovery.
“It’s not easy navigating economic instability. But now, with stability, we face no fear—only upward growth,” Tinubu said.
He also pledged intensified efforts toward achieving food security, national peace, and overall stability. According to him, the administration remains focused on delivering key priorities that would uplift Nigerians from the harsh economic conditions.
“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, the first under the new APC National Chairman, was attended by governors, ministers, federal lawmakers, and senior party officials from across the country. Discussions at the meeting centred on the party’s strategies for grassroots engagement, internal reforms, and preparations for future elections.