ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Progressive Governors Forum to immediately secure land and commence construction of a national secretariat for the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling a fresh push to institutionalise the party’s presence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling party in Abuja, Tinubu said the time had come for the APC to establish enduring infrastructure that reflects its status as the governing party.
“We should put a committee together of progressive governors to find an appropriate land and build a secretariat. I think we should do that,” the president declared, drawing applause from party leaders.
“I believe with that recitation, the motion and the suggestion is carried.”
The move comes as the APC intensifies efforts to bolster internal cohesion, expand its membership base, and strengthen its organisational structure nationwide.
President Tinubu also used the platform to express appreciation to party leaders, governors, and members for their continued support.
He paid special tribute to Vice President Kashim Shettima, commending him for his dignified representation at the funeral of the party’s former national chairman.
“Let me thank the Vice President for a very successful role he played — to myself, the country. He brought back with dignity the legacy of our great party,” Tinubu said, describing the moment as “emotionally distraught for me, emotionally distraught for all of us.”
The president also honoured the memory of deceased party stalwarts, praying for the forgiveness of their shortcomings and their eternal rest.
“May Almighty God forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal freedom,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed the stability of the Nigerian economy under his administration, stating that progress had been made despite the challenges inherited by his government.
“I can report to you today that the economy that you inherited, wobbling for views, is today stabilised, and we are making growth,” he said, citing improvements in revenue performance.
He also highlighted gains in national security and food stability, asserting that thousands of terrorists and bandits had been neutralised.
“The fear is going down,” he noted, while stressing the need for continued vigilance and investment in national security infrastructure.
Turning to internal party matters, Tinubu directed the newly appointed APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, to establish a national tour committee to ease the registration of new members and welcome recent defectors.
“Our doors are still open and we should embrace them wholeheartedly. Those who have joined us should enjoy the registration and the membership of our party without any difficulty,” he said.
The president congratulated Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau for joining the APC, reaffirming that the party remains inclusive and committed to growth.
He also congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election victory and applauded the recent launch of the Edo Line transport initiative.
In a message directed at APC governors, Tinubu urged greater responsiveness to the needs of constituents at the grassroots level.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. So you, the governors, you have to wet the grass more,” he said, calling for increased community engagement and delivery of services.
He concluded with a call for national unity and progress: “Now that the economy is stabilised, there is no other fear for the country except upward movement and sustained growth. May God bless our democracy, and bless Nigeria, Federal Republic of this country.”
