President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a meeting with senior figures from Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The session focused on finalizing strategies ahead of the party’s forthcoming national convention and state congresses.
The gathering included the APC’s top national leadership, state governors, and key legislators from the National Assembly. Attendees comprised Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who also chairs the Nigerian Governors Forum; Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; House Chief Whip Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila; and APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru.
Following the closed-door meeting, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda described the talks as focused and productive. He stated the primary objective was to ensure unified preparations and seamless coordination between the party’s national body, state governments, and the National Assembly.
“It was a brief meeting to review our preparations for the convention and congresses and to strengthen synergy between all arms of government,” Yilwatda said. “We want everyone—the national, sub-national and the National Assembly—to be on the same page, and I believe we achieved our objectives.”
He highlighted the party’s ongoing expansion, noting the influx of new members, governors, and lawmakers. Yilwatda stressed the importance of maintaining inclusivity throughout this growth phase.
“The party is expanding every day. We are growing beyond bounds, and we want to ensure that in the course of this growth, nobody is left behind,” he added.
The chairman also acknowledged President Tinubu’s role, referring to his “depth of knowledge of the political cycle” as a guiding force for the party’s strategic direction and consolidation.
The meeting signifies a final push to align the APC’s structure ahead of its elective conventions, which are critical steps in Nigeria’s political calendar and will lay the groundwork for future elections. The emphasis on inter-branch cohesion reflects the party’s effort to present a unified front as it manages internal dynamics and prepares for broader electoral contests.
