On Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called upon the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly elected officials, to wholeheartedly commit themselves to good governance. He stressed the importance of re-engineering the economic and political landscape of the nation to cater to the needs of the less privileged.
During the 12th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party, the President congratulated the newly elected National Chairman, former Kano State governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and the National Secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola. He assured the attendees that his administration would continue to prioritize programs that benefit and uplift the masses, rather than causing further hardship.
President Tinubu acknowledged that winning the election was just the initial step in a longer progressive journey. He recognized that ensuring responsive and accountable governance is an ongoing challenge that demands consistent efforts.
In his first address to the NEC meeting since his election victory in February, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to serving the nation and creating a brighter future for all citizens.
“We are in the process of establishing fully a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. It is in my time that the subsidy has been removed, and it is now upon us to satisfy the yearnings of the poor in a larger, restructured economy,” President Tinubu declared.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, released a statement where President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity, stability, and camaraderie among party members, which should be built on a common purpose. He urged party members to nurture the party from the grassroots level.
The President also called on the party faithful to focus on development and prosperity for the country. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to establishing international trade partnerships that will not only benefit the national economy but also positively impact the finances of the Nigerian people.
Addressing the general acceptance of the presidential election outcome, President Tinubu defended the legitimacy of the election. He reiterated his earlier stance that those who reject the results of a free and fair election should not expect the joy of victory.
”We have worked hard, and we have received the trophy. Winning an election is the first part of the process. What is next is good governance and quality service delivery. We must promote unity, peace, and love among all organs of the party.
”You are the makers and drivers of the party. When we have all passengers inside the bus, the driver must not fall asleep. The brake must also work well. Party loyalty must exist.
”As I always say, those who cannot accept the result of a free and fair election do not deserve the joy of victory,” he said.
During the NEC meeting, the main agenda involved appointing new External Auditors to audit party accounts and filling the vacant offices of the National Chairman and National Secretary. President Tinubu urged the NEC to delegate some of its powers to the National Working Committee (NWC) to fill other vacancies within the party.
This request was made after a motion was moved by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and seconded by Governor Hope Uzodinma, who also serves as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
President Tinubu acknowledged the NEC’s decision during the previous meeting in April 2022, where certain powers were delegated to the NWC for smoother party operations. He expressed gratitude for their effective utilization of that mandate.
In his welcome address, Acting National Chairman Sen. Abubakar Kyari acknowledged the new challenges faced by the ruling party as the majority at both the sub-national level and in the National Assembly.
He paid tribute to the founding members of the party and highlighted the significant milestones achieved by the party in positively impacting the lives of Nigerians since its establishment ten years ago.
Kyari extended congratulations to the President, Vice President, and all elected party members on their election victory. He also described the recent election of the Nigerian leader to the ECOWAS Chairmanship as a foreign policy triumph for Nigeria.
‘‘The nation is happy with you for your bold and courageous decisions,’’ he told the President, adding that the policies the administration has pursued in the last two months have laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of Nigeria,” he stated.
He promised that the party would continue to stand with President Tinubu no matter the complexities of the challenges ahead.