Key Issues Discussed At The All Progressives Congress National Caucus Meeting Presided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

 

In a significant gathering that underscored the ruling party’s commitment to strategic planning, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday, February 25, 2025. This was the first caucus meeting held under his leadership since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

The high-stakes meeting, which commenced at 7:22 p.m., brought together the party’s most influential figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. Also in attendance were former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, among other senior stakeholders.

 Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is united, stronger, focused and supportive of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Mr Uzodinma said this while briefing journalists at the end of the party’s caucus meeting presided over by President Tinubu, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday.

The meeting was held ahead of that of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting holding today (Wednesday) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Mr Uzodimma debunked claims that the party operated as a one-man show, adding that the APC’s diverse representation across six geopolitical zones, including governors from various states at the meeting, underscored its inclusive nature.

He said the party’s structure, as outlined in its constitution, included multiple leadership positions and a hierarchical framework that ensured broad participation in decision-making processes.

“Our party is united, stronger, focused, and supportive of the government. We need to celebrate our own.

“The government is heavily supported by the APC, and from time to time, we must show that we are behind the government,” he said.

Cross section of Governors; Deputy governors and other members of the caucus during the APC Caucus meeting, held at the State House, Conference Center, Abuja yesterday.

L-R: Senate President Godswill Akpabio; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Vice President Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the APC Caucus meeting, held at the State House, Conference Center, Abuja yesterday. 

On internal party democracy, Mr Uzodinma who is the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, stated that APC was a very large political party with executives at all levels.

“We have our internal mechanism for selection. Why are we winning all these elections? It’s because we have demonstrated high capacity and respect for democracy,” he stated.

The governor said due to good leadership provided by President Tinubu, the country was better off in terms of revenue generation which translated to more infrastructure, social change, and other economic dynamics.

According to him, APC is the party to beat and the envy of other political parties, not only in Nigeria but in Africa.

He said the party had inaugurated the Progressive Institute, its intellectual arm, to conduct research, training for manpower development and to build the intellectual capacity of members.

He said President Tinubu’s efforts in managing insecurity were also commended at the meeting.

“The president has done very well in terms of managing the insecurity in the country, as testified today by one of our members in Zamfara State, where there is relative peace.

“Now, people are going about their businesses. Farmers have gone back to their farms in the southeast,” Mr Uzodinma said.

Key Issues Discussed

The meeting, described as crucial for the party’s direction, focused on several pivotal issues shaping the APC's future:

1. Non-Elective Convention
   One of the central topics was the scheduling of a non-elective convention. Party leaders emphasized the need to hold this convention in line with the APC constitution, which mandates periodic meetings to consolidate party structures and address pressing organizational matters.

2. Formation of Standing Committees
   The caucus extensively discussed the establishment of standing committees aimed at strengthening party administration, policy implementation, and strategic engagement across the country. This move is seen as a necessary step in reinforcing internal democracy and party cohesion.

3. The Progressive Institute (TPI)
   A presentation was made on the establishment of The Progressive Institute (TPI), an initiative designed to advance the party’s ideological framework and policy direction. TPI is expected to serve as a think tank that will train party members, formulate governance strategies, and help propagate the party’s core values across Nigeria.

4. Membership E-Registration
   Recognizing the importance of a modernized membership system, the caucus deliberated on implementing an electronic membership registration exercise. This initiative aims to streamline party membership records, ensure transparency, and foster inclusivity, particularly among the youth and grassroots supporters.

5. Legal Affairs and Litigations
   The National Legal Adviser presented a comprehensive report on ongoing litigations involving the party. The report covered internal disputes, legal challenges from opposition parties, and strategies to strengthen the APC’s legal standing. Party leaders emphasized the need for a proactive legal approach to protect the party’s interests and maintain its electoral dominance.

Looking Ahead: APC NEC Meeting

The outcomes of the caucus meeting will shape the agenda for the APC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 26, 2025, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The NEC meeting is expected to ratify key decisions taken during the caucus session, set new policy directions, and further solidify party structures ahead of the upcoming elections.

Political Implications

This meeting comes at a critical time when the APC is positioning itself for future elections and governance reforms. With internal stability being a key focus, the resolutions from this gathering signal the party’s readiness to address internal challenges, strengthen its base, and consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The presence of top political figures and former party leaders highlights the importance of unity within the APC. Analysts suggest that these strategic meetings are part of a broader effort to ensure the party remains Nigeria’s dominant political force despite growing opposition and economic challenges facing the nation.

As the APC National Executive Council meeting convenes, all eyes will be on the decisions that emerge from it, particularly regarding party administration, electoral strategy, and governance reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership.

 

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to national progress, despite ongoing criticism from opposition voices.

 

The President said this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus at the State House Conference Center in Abuja on Tuesday night, February 25.

 

The President emphasised that his government is focused on delivering tangible results rather than engaging in political distractions.

 

“Our determination to deliver is unshaken despite the cacophony of misguided, unfounded, and gloomy claims made by our detractors, they will continue to talk, but we are extremely focused,” Tinubu declared.

 

The President acknowledged that the implementation of certain economic policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies has posed challenges, but he insisted that such reforms were necessary to stabilise the nation’s economy. He argued that Nigeria could not have survived under the previous subsidy regime, emphasising that state governments are now receiving increased allocations that enable them to execute development projects effectively.

 

“It is a daunting challenge. The policies are difficult, but there was no way Nigeria would have survived with the burden of fuel subsidies. Today, I can beat my chest and say that each governor here knows that their allocations to the states have tripled. We have enough funding for the local governments.” he said