By Abasi Ita
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged leaders of the All Progressives Congress to convert the party’s expanding political influence into meaningful reforms by advancing the establishment of state police and ensuring full financial autonomy for local governments.
The President gave the charge while addressing members of the APC National Caucus at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he stressed that the ruling party’s nationwide dominance must reflect in better security, responsive governance and stronger institutions at the grassroots.
Tinubu told governors and senior party officials that leadership must be felt at every level of government, warning that political success can only be sustained through cooperation, inclusiveness and effective coordination among the federal, state and local tiers.
He disclosed that he recently assured international partners of Nigeria’s determination to introduce state police as a response to growing security challenges. According to him, the APC’s majority in the National Assembly places the party in a strong position to deliver the required constitutional and legislative changes.
The President also directed state governors to comply with the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, insisting that councils must receive funds directly to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
He called for unity and reconciliation within the party, urged members to pray for national stability and encouraged greater participation of women in party structures. Tinubu also announced plans to present the national budget to the National Assembly.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks, cautioned party leaders against complacency, noting that rapid expansion should not weaken internal discipline. He described the APC as a truly national party and welcomed recent defections by governors from opposition parties, expressing confidence in the party’s future electoral prospects.
APC National Chairman, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, said recent defections have given the party a strong majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. He revealed plans to introduce an electronic membership system ahead of the party’s next national convention to deepen internal democracy.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, said the APC’s spread across the country reflects growing national acceptance. He urged the President to remain focused on reforms, which he said have strengthened investor confidence.
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, called for fairness and unity among party members, warning that the party’s rapid growth must be managed carefully to preserve cohesion as it consolidates power nationwide.