President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Progressive Governors Forum to urgently secure land and begin the construction of a permanent national secretariat for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The President issued the directive on Thursday during the 14th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the ruling party held in Abuja. He emphasized the need to establish lasting structures that reflect the party’s national stature and institutional growth.
“We should put a committee together of progressive governors to find an appropriate land and build an insect area [national secretariat]. I take that. I think we should do that,” Tinubu said, receiving applause from party leaders. “I believe with that recitation, the motion and the suggestion is carried,” he declared.
Tinubu’s call for a befitting APC secretariat aligns with the party’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its internal mechanisms, strengthen membership structures, and expand its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the meeting, the President also expressed gratitude to party stakeholders, particularly Vice President Kashim Shettima, for their roles in preserving the party’s dignity during challenging times. He recalled Shettima’s role at the funeral of a former APC national chairman, describing the occasion as deeply emotional.
“Let me thank the Vice President for a very successful role he played. He brought back, with dignity, the legacy of our great party,” Tinubu said. “It was emotionally distraught for me and for all of us.”
He paid tribute to deceased party stalwarts and praised their contributions to the nation’s progress. “May Almighty God forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest,” he prayed.
Addressing the state of the nation, President Tinubu stated that the Nigerian economy has stabilised under his administration, despite challenges inherited from previous governments. “I can report to you today that the economy you inherited, wobbling for views, is today stabilised, and we are making growth,” he said, highlighting improvements in revenue generation.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national security and food stability. “Thousands of terrorists and bandits have been neutralised. The fear is going down,” he said, while calling for sustained vigilance and increased investment in citizens.
On party matters, Tinubu urged the newly elected APC National Chairman to establish a committee that would embark on a nationwide tour to facilitate the smooth registration of new members, particularly recent defectors. “Our doors are still open. Those who have joined us should enjoy the registration and membership of our party without difficulty,” he stated.
He also welcomed Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) into the APC, commending their progressive spirit and affirming the party’s openness to all Nigerians. Tinubu congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his mandate as Edo State Governor and lauded the state’s new Edo Line transport initiative.
Calling for greater responsiveness at the grassroots level, Tinubu charged APC governors to intensify efforts in addressing the needs of their constituents. “Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. So you, the governors, have to wet the grass more,” he said.
Concluding his address, President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic outlook. “Now that the economy is stabilised, there is no other fear for the country except upward movement and sustained growth,” he said.
He ended with a prayer: “May God bless our democracy, and bless Nigeria, the Federal Republic of this country.”
