Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has boldly declared the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a shining example of democratic maturity, asserting that the party has proven politics can be conducted without rancor or bitterness. Speaking at the inauguration of the Tinubu Torchbearers—a grassroots support group dedicated to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—the First Lady lauded the party’s recent primaries as a testament to its peaceful internal democracy.
“Our party has shown the rest of the country that there can be democracy without bitterness,” Mrs. Tinubu stated at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. “The APC is now the party that shows how to play politics without bitterness.” She emphasized that the party has distinguished itself by resolving disagreements through peaceful means, setting a new standard for political engagement in Nigeria.
The First Lady commended APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, and the newly inaugurated Tinubu Torchbearers for their dedication to mobilizing support for the administration’s policies ahead of the 2027 general election. She urged the group to act as ambassadors of the government, communicating its achievements responsibly while maintaining civility in political discourse.
In a surprise move, Mrs. Tinubu announced the donation of personal vehicles to APC women leaders in states where the party is not currently in power—Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Osun, and Oyo. The vehicles, she stressed, are personal gifts to the women leaders, not party property, and should be registered in their names for use in party and community service. She urged all 31 APC governors to emulate this gesture by providing similar support to women leaders in their states.
“This is how we want our women to be treated,” she said. “We are not playing politics like before. We are politicians, and people should see the value in us.”
Dr. Idele, in her remarks, called on women nationwide to intensify grassroots mobilization for the president’s reform agenda. She revealed that the Tinubu Torchbearers have already established structures in all 774 local government areas, positioning the group as a formidable network for voter education and citizen engagement. She praised President Tinubu for his courage in tackling inherited challenges, including economic reforms, infrastructure development, and enhanced security.
“Despite the challenges inherited by this administration, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage, determination, and exceptional commitment to economic recovery, infrastructure development, social welfare, and national security,” Idele said. She also hailed the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative for its impact on women, youth, and vulnerable groups across the country.
The event underscored the APC’s strategy to build a robust grassroots network while showcasing its commitment to inclusive governance. As the First Lady put it, empowering women remains central to the party’s vision—a vision she believes will inspire greater commitment to nation-building across Nigeria.
