President Bola Tinubu took a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Abuja, labelling the opposition party as a “coalition of confusion”.
While addressing party stalwarts, Tinubu suggested that defecting from the ADC to the ruling party was a logical decision, saying it was “not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship.” The statement has been widely interpreted as a jab at recent defections from the ADC and other opposition parties into the APC.
The president also used the occasion to extend his appreciation to Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the immediate-past National Chairman of the APC. He praised Ganduje’s service and highlighted his efforts in initiating the creation of a progressive institute to strengthen the ideological framework of the party.
“I gave him an assignment on the formation of a progressive institute. The National Secretary will work with the chairman to revitalise it, and we can still take him (Ganduje) as a consultant to work with the new chairman,” Tinubu stated, expressing his willingness to continue engaging Ganduje in an advisory role despite his resignation.
In a strategic move to expand the party's base, President Tinubu announced a postponement of the APC Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses until December. He explained that this delay was necessary to make room for new members joining the party, as the APC expects an influx of fresh defections and aims to foster increased grassroots involvement.
The meeting also marked the official appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yiltwada, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as the new National Chairman of the APC, following the resignation of Ganduje in June.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to growth and reform, President Tinubu emphasized that the party remains open to all Nigerians who share its progressive vision and dedication to national development. He stressed the importance of inclusivity, internal restructuring, and the continued ideological evolution of the party.