Tinubu Charges APC to Engage Leaders, As Gov. Buni Emerges Chairman Of 7-Man Committee to Expand NEC

Tinubu Charges APC to Engage Leaders, as Gov. Buni Emerges Chairman of 7-Man Committee to Expand NEC

By Yusuf Ali

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen its internal structures by engaging party leaders and addressing lingering issues in various states.

This is as Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, emerged as the new chairman of a seven-member committee tasked with expanding the membership of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

The decision was part of resolutions reached during the NEC meeting held Wednesday in Abuja, where party leaders deliberated on key issues affecting the party and the nation.

The committee, chaired by Governor Buni, was mandated to include more stakeholders in NEC while fostering unity within the party.

In his address, President Tinubu commended the party’s leadership for their unwavering commitment and emphasized the importance of collaboration to resolve conflicts.

“The vote of confidence passed on me and the leadership of our party is a challenge to do more. Let’s strengthen our committees and appeal to party leaders in various states to be calm and collaborative. Together, we will build a stronger party and deliver good governance to Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

The meeting also saw the NEC passing a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The motion was moved by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Speaking on Tinubu’s leadership, Oshiomhole described the administration’s achievements as remarkable, noting the president’s efforts in improving the economy, which saw a GDP growth of 3.84% in the last quarter of 2024 and a decline in inflation.

President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the NEC members for their support, promising to deliver on the progressive ideals of the APC. He highlighted improvements in economic indicators, food security, and national stability as evidence of his administration’s commitment to development.

“The sun is high, and the sky is bright. While the rest of the world unravels, Nigeria is witnessing growth. We are seeing a gradual return to stability and improved economic indicators. I am grateful to governors, lawmakers, and all party faithful for their unwavering support,” Tinubu said.

In his speech, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje disclosed that the party inherited liabilities totaling N8.987 billion, primarily from legal costs. Despite the challenges, he praised the party’s resilience and revealed plans to secure land for a befitting national secretariat.

“We have formally applied for land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration to build a secretariat that will accommodate our national officers, the Progressive Institute, and other wings of the party. I appeal to Mr. President for support in actualizing this project,” Ganduje said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas pledged the National Assembly’s continued support for President Tinubu’s administration.

Akpabio assured that the Senate would fast-track bills to enhance development, while Abbas commended Tinubu’s courage in making tough but necessary decisions for Nigeria’s progress.

APC spokesman Felix Morka, briefing journalists after the meeting, said the NEC ratified the zoning of the national chairmanship to the North-West, approved the party’s financial statement and budget for 2025, and lauded Tinubu’s economic reforms and improved security across the country.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are now exporting more than we are importing, our balance of payments has improved, and the agricultural sector is witnessing a surge in productivity. These reforms are beginning to bear fruits and require our continued support,” Morka said.

He added that NEC’s confidence vote extended to Ganduje and the National Working Committee (NWC), recognizing their efforts in fostering unity and keeping the party strong. “These steps will strengthen the party and position it for future successes,” Morka concluded.