Tinubu urges APC governors to build legacy, strengthen grassroots engagement

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has urged governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work collectively to strengthen grassroots engagement and leave behind a lasting legacy that strengthens the party’s institutional presence, including the construction of a permanent party secretariat in Abuja.

Speaking at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC in Abuja on Thursday, the President called on governors and party leaders to recommit to the party’s foundational ideals and reconnect with the people at the grassroots, where, he said, expectations remain high.

“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots,” Tinubu said. “To you, the governors, you must wet the grass more and deliver progressive change to Nigerians.”

In a move toward solidifying the party’s institutional structure, President Tinubu tasked the 23 APC governors present at the meeting to work with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to identify suitable land for the construction of a befitting national party secretariat.

“We should leave a legacy of development,” Tinubu said. “We should establish a committee of progressive governors to identify suitable land and construct the secretariat.”

The President also urged party leaders to remain open to new members and fresh ideas, describing the APC as an inclusive platform for all progressive-minded Nigerians. He described the opposition as “a coalition of confusion” and emphasized that the strength of the APC lies in expanding its ranks and being responsive to citizens’ aspirations.

On internal party reforms, Tinubu encouraged the newly elected National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to set up a National Working Committee team that will embark on nationwide visits to ensure seamless registration and integration of new members.

The President expressed appreciation to the outgoing National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for his contributions and challenged the new party leadership to revive the idea of a progressive institute that would articulate and deepen the party’s ideological foundations.