Tinubu meets APC leaders ahead of national convention, congresses

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday met with key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as the ruling party unveiled plans to hold an inclusive national convention and a series of congresses to reflect its growing membership.

The meeting brought together the party’s national leadership, sub-national leaders and members of the APC caucus in the National Assembly. It was described as a strategic engagement aimed at harmonising preparations and strengthening coordination between the party structure and various arms of government.

Speaking after the meeting, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said discussions focused on reviewing the party’s level of preparedness for the forthcoming convention and congresses, as well as ensuring synergy among party stakeholders at all levels.

According to him, the leadership also assessed the prevailing political environment and resolved that the processes would be broad-based and inclusive, especially in view of the influx of new members and governors into the party.

Yilwatda affirmed that the APC was committed to carrying all stakeholders along as it continues to expand, stressing that no group or individual would be sidelined in the course of the party’s growth.

He added that President Tinubu was fully supportive of the party’s preparations, describing his advice during the meeting as valuable and noting that the APC’s continued expansion was largely driven by the President’s political experience and leadership.

Those in attendance included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House of Representatives Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip of the House, Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.

The APC had earlier released an adjusted timetable for its congresses and national convention. According to the schedule, ward congresses are slated for February 18, local government congresses for February 20, state congresses for March 7, zonal congresses for March 21, while the national convention is expected to hold between March 27 and 28.