President Bola Tinubu has taken a swipe at the opposition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the growing coalition as a “coalition of confusion.” His comment comes amid rising alignment among opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who have recently thrown their weight behind the ADC.
Speaking during the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said it was “not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship,” suggesting that the defections to the ADC were misguided and lacked cohesion. His comment has since drawn strong reactions from opposition groups, including the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), the ADC itself, and the media aides to key opposition figures.
The NEC meeting also marked the emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State and APC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Plateau State, as the new national chairman of the party. He replaces Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who was thanked for his service and appointed to work with the new leadership in developing the party’s Progressive Institute.
President Tinubu used the occasion to urge APC governors to urgently address the growing hardship across the country, particularly at the grassroots level. He expressed concern that despite significant federal allocations, the situation in many communities remains dire. “You must wet the grass,” Tinubu said, urging governors to lead the charge in providing tangible solutions and ensuring visible development in their states.
In addition to tackling hardship, Tinubu called for the establishment of a new national party secretariat in Abuja. He directed APC governors to collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister in identifying a suitable location for the building, describing the move as part of his effort to leave behind a legacy of institutional strength and stability within the party.
The President also welcomed recent defectors from the opposition, including Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC. Tinubu described their presence at the NEC meeting as a sign of national unity and reaffirmed that the APC remained open to welcoming more members into its fold.
On the state of the nation, Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s economy, though turbulent, is beginning to stabilise due to the reforms introduced by his administration. “There is no other direction for this country except upward,” he assured. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to food security, emphasizing the importance of boosting local food production and reducing dependence on imports.
In terms of security, the President reported major strides in the fight against terrorism and banditry, claiming that thousands of insurgents have been neutralised. However, he cautioned against complacency and stressed the need for continued investment in security infrastructure and personnel to sustain the gains achieved so far.
The meeting also featured a renewed vote of confidence in Tinubu’s leadership by party members, as well as applause for Governor Monday Okpebholo following the Supreme Court ruling that affirmed his election victory in Edo State. Tinubu commended the governor for his developmental initiatives, particularly the newly launched “Edo Line” transport service.
Concluding the meeting, Tinubu announced that upcoming congresses at the state, local government, and ward levels have been shifted to December to accommodate new members expected to join the party soon. He urged all stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilisation and ensure the APC remains a dominant force across all regions.
