President Tinubu emphasised that the party’s strength lied in expanding its ranks and encouraged the new National Chairman to establish a committee of National Working Committee members to visit states, ensuring that all new members are seamlessly registered and integrated.

The President thanked Ganduje for his contributions to party development and ideological clarity.

“I gave him an assignment on forming a progressive doctrine and a progressive institute. I believe the National Secretary will help revitalise and coordinate this effort,” the President said.

Turning to the governors, the President urged them to work collectively to leave behind a lasting legacy, including building a party secretariat in Abuja.

“We should leave a legacy of development. The governors are here —23 of them — to help identify a land, along with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. We should establish a committee of progressive governors to identify suitable land and construct the secretariat,” he said.

President Tinubu acknowledged economic challenges but affirmed that progress has been made under his administration. He cited the record N14.9tn in revenue collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service in the first six months of the year, a 43 per cent increase from the amount collected in 2024.

“It is not easy to navigate the stormy waters of economic instability. Now, the economy is stabilised—there is no fear for the country except for continued upward movement and sustained growth. I can assure you,” he stated.

Regarding security, the President noted that significant efforts have been made to restore safety across Nigeria.

“Thousands of terrorists and bandits have been neutralised. You can see that fear is decreasing. However, we must remain vigilant and take the matter seriously. We must invest more in our people, be accommodating, and remain committed to ensuring national security.”

President Tinubu welcomed new entrants into the APC, including Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and other key political figures.

The meeting observed a minute’s silence in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

At the President’s request, the meeting also observed a minute of silence in honour of Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Oba Sikiru Adetona (the Awujale of Ijebuland), who both passed away recently.

The President noted that although the two late statesmen were not party members, “their lives and contributions to national development command our respect.”

The immediate past acting National Chairman, Bukar Dalori, noted that the resignation of the former National Chairman necessitated a meeting of the NEC to fill the vacancy. He thanked the President and the Progressive Governors’ Forum for their strategic intervention during the transition period.

Obasa lauds Yilwatda

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, congratulated the new APC chairman, charging him to ensure that he enthroned a stronger and more virile party that will be indomitable in the 2027 general election.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, Obasa described Yilwatda as a proper fit for the party’s leadership.

He praised his decades-long contributions to academia, public service, and his pivotal role in Nigeria’s digital transformation, including his tenure as Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, as well as his extensive consultancy work with global institutions such as the European Union, UNICEF, and the World Bank.

He also cited his sterling and memorable roles as a Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission and, until recently, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

“Prof. Yilwatda’s commitment to reforming public service through technology aligns squarely with the APC’s mission to uplift communities and drive national progress.

“I have full confidence that your technocratic and political leadership will unite our great party, strengthen our popularity and growth, and chart a bold course for our party as we prepare for 2027,” Obasa stated.

PDP vows takeover

However, while the ruling party celebrated the emergence of a new chairman, governors elected on the platform of the opposition PDP have vowed to challenge the APC ruling and the emerging African Democratic Congress-led coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, stated that the party would no longer tolerate acts of indiscipline.

He noted that internal crises triggered by indiscipline had recently been addressed and resolved.

Ahead of the 2027 polls, several high-profile politicians have defected to the ADC-led coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-presidential aspirant Dele Momodu.

On the other hand, some PDP leaders have also crossed over to the APC.

They include Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, among others.

The Bauchi State Governor affirmed their commitment to reviving the party and delivering hope to Nigerians.

Mohammed stated, “We will not continue to condone indiscipline in this place, because indiscipline is what brought us all the problems and challenges.

“Definitely, the party has shown resilience, and the governors are going through a lot of challenges, just like the NWC. We will continue to express confidence in the organs of the party.

“We are ready to work with you so that no personal interest will divide us.

“Our ambition is not more important than the nation. We must be able to hide our personal ambition, either as governors or those seeking the presidency so that we can leave a level playing field,” Mohammed stated.

He added, “Now, with the necessary recognition by the regulator, INEC, at the end of the day, we’ll give the APC political competition a run for their money in terms of contest that will be given on a level playing field, with a party that is intact, and also give answers to our people wishing to come in.

“In terms of whatever permutation or conjecture we call it whether it is coalition, whether it is alliance it is the PDP that should be able to drive it, because it is the main opposition party.”

The Bauchi State Governor stated that the party sympathises with those who left out of impatience, noting that the door will remain open for their return though only for a limited time.

“This is a long way we have traveled. This is how PDP is known, a party with a history, with a logo that has not changed over the years, the party that has shown resilience, and we have the governors solidly behind all the organs of the party.

“We don’t have to make a lot of noise. We are working behind the scene, behind the NWC, behind the BoT, the caucuses of the National Assembly and the six chapters to ensure that we remain intact and provide a credible platform for Nigerians to actualize their aspirations.

“As the BoT Secretary has said, This is not time for calling names. This is not time for abusers. We sympathise for those who became impatient and left but certainly they will understand and we would still leave the door ajar for them to come in when they wish to, within a time limit,” he stated.

Earlier in his remarks, PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, expressed confidence in the eventual collapse of the recently formed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Damagum stated, “I have no charge beyond this; that we deliberate sincerely and make decisions that serve the interest of the PDP and the Nigerian people. However, I must address the matter of a so-called coalition recently formed, which includes some defecting members of our party.

“On this issue, I am pleased to report that this political experiment is nothing to lose sleep over. They say a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Some persons have recently learned this truth in the most uncomfortable way. Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claim they never left and merely attended a meeting, we accept their confessions without prejudice.

“Let me add that this reversal is not limited to PDP members alone. Individuals from other political parties who initially joined this coalition have realised that the venture is ill-fated and their swift return is proof of this.

“The Peoples Democratic Party remains the only party that is not only poised and ready to take back power, but also the only party with the structure, national acceptability, and legacy capable of bearing the weight of this great national undertaking. To close this matter, I believe that all of us look forward to the total dismantling of this ill-fated coalition, even as we extend our best wishes to those involved.”

He further expressed gratitude to party stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and praised the state chairmen for their efforts.

He stated, “Let me begin by appreciating our state party chairpersons, who are the first line of defence in our democratic struggle. It is from your leadership that our grassroots structures are nurtured and sustained.

“Your resilience, especially in states where we are in opposition, is commendable. We recognise the burdens you carry and salute your unwavering commitment to the party. You are comrades in the trenches of democracy.

“I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Minority Leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as all our legislators in the National Assembly. You have represented the values of our party with integrity and tenacity. I must emphasise that it is because of your steadfastness that when we eventually reclaim the presidency, the next PDP president will not be a political orphan left to the mercy of hostile forces.

“Beyond electoral victories, our legislators play a crucial role in both governance and party life. Through your actions, anti-people policies are challenged and checked. You serve as role models to our state assembly members, who themselves are doing tremendous work delivering the dividends of representative democracy and supporting the executive arm in PDP-led states.”

Damagum also hailed the governors as the backbone and pride of the party.

“You remain the backbone of this party, and without your leadership and sacrifice, we would be left exposed. We are indeed fortunate to have you.”

Meanwhile, the PDP 101th NEC has shifted its National Elective Convention originally planned for August to November 2025.

Addressing a press conference after the NEC meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced that the convention would now take place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, instead of the previously announced venue, Kano.

Ologunagba, while presenting the communiqué at the conclusion of the 101st NEC meeting, also announced that the 102nd session has been rescheduled to take place in August.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, flanked by other party leaders, stated, “NEC expressed satisfaction over the resolution of all contentions and disagreements within the Party which again demonstrates the engrained patriotic disposition of PDP members and our Party’s democratic principles of dialogue, mutual understanding and commitment to the overall interest of the PDP and the common good of all Nigerians.

“NEC reassures all party members and Nigerians that the PDP remains a strong, united, cohesive, stable and focused political party repositioned to effectively play its role as the leading opposition Party in galvanising all efforts towards rescuing our dear nation from the catastrophic misrule of the All Progressives Congress.

“Pursuant to the foregoing, NEC approved the year 2025 Elective National Convention Schedule of Activities and Timetable. Under the approved Timetable, the Elective National Convention to elect the next set of National Officers of our Party will hold on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

“Consequently, NEC directed the National Chairman, His Excellency, Amb. Iliya Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu to officially write to inform the Independent National Electoral Commission of the time, venue and agenda of the Elective National Convention in accordance with the requirement of Section 82 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and Part 2(12) of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.”

According to the communiqué read by Ologunagba, NEC also approved the composition of both the National Convention Committee and the Zoning Committee to ensure a transparent and credible Elective National Convention.

The communique read in part, “In its determination to preserve all the electoral mandate given to our Party by Nigerians across the country, NEC directed the National Working Committee to take immediate legal action to recover the seats of all serving members of the National and State Assemblies elected on the platform of the PDP but defected to another Party.

“By virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP.

“NEC expressed serious concern and frowns at the reported participation and involvement of some Party members in the activities, meetings and gathering of another political party. NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment as members of the PDP especially as the law does not permit membership of two political Parties at the same time.”

The PDP NEC reassured its members of the progress made in addressing concerns related to the party.

According to the communique, “NEC restates that the PDP as the leading opposition Party and platform of choice for all Nigerians remains open in working with other well-meaning and like-minded citizens in the collective effort to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the rudderless and insensitive APC administration.

“NEC reassures of PDP’s belief in Democracy, and its commitment and readiness to be at the forefront in driving the aspiration of Nigerians to oust the APC and install a people-oriented government on the platform of the PDP come 2027.”

Earlier at the 81st Board of Trustees meeting held on Thursday at Wadata Plaza in Abuja, PDP BoT chairman, Adolphus Wabara, represented by BoT secretary, Ahmed Makarfi, stated that the outcome of the November Elective Convention would send a strong message to Nigerians.

He stated, “We have to build on that stability, but we must never take things for granted, because for one reason or the other, some of our friends and associates have left us. I don’t believe they have left us for good. I believe, when you look at the agenda, the success of the items scheduled is what will bring most of them back. I cannot say all of them, but we can even bring new hands into the PDP.

“So the ball is in our court, not only to discuss and approve the items on the agenda, but to make sure the outcome of the scheduled National Convention sends a strong, positive message to Nigerians, because that is what is going to define the political landscape in this country.”

He also urged party leaders to be mindful in their reactions to defectors, noting that the party would welcome their return.

The BoT chairman stated, “I urge all members to be cautious of what they say or do. Some cannot be working to rebuild the party, and others trying to demarket it.

“There is a difference between personal opinion and party position. If anybody is speaking on personal opinion, he or she should say so. The party has formal organs for speaking, and that should be respected.

“We must never show to the public that we are a group where anybody can do what he or she likes anytime and anyhow. We must be cautious of each other by what we do or what we don’t do as we move forward.

“I will also advise that, yes, we may have differences, but we should be conscious in expressing opinions, even on those who have left us, because what we want is for them to come back now or very, very soon.

“We know that some people are aggrieved, but we have to come down and pull down whatever our grievances may be. If we work together, the convention should resolve all grievances. It’s an opportunity, and we must not miss it. We should be patient and make use of it.”

Also, Dr Bukola Saraki, who headed the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee to resolve the crisis in the party, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful outcome of the NEC meeting.

He said, “I am particularly elated that with the success of today’s (Thursday) meeting, the Reconciliation and Strategy Committee headed by me has achieved parts of the mandate given to us by the PDP Governors Forum on May 12, 2025.

“We were mandated to clear all obstacles preventing the party from holding its NEC meeting and moving on to have a hitch-free national convention.

“The outcome of today’s meeting is an indication that our committee is delivering on our assignment. The NEC meeting was successfully held. Also, the machinery for a successful convention has been set in motion.”

In addition to the Bauchi State Governor, Damagum, Makarfi and Saraki, those present at the meeting included Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Ahmed Fintiri (Adamawa).

Also in attendance were former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, Senator Abba Moro, Chief Olabode George, and former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, among others.

From the National Working Committee were National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Deputy Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, and Deputy National Vice Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja.