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•Minister urges APC members to unite, mobilises grassroots support at stakeholders’ meeting
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
Former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver on its campaign promises and refrain from attacking critics of its policies.
On Saturday, the former speaker of the House of Representatives had accused the ruling party of using economic hardship to lure politicians into defecting. He warned that Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, rising inflation, increasing unemployment, and deepening insecurity were forcing politicians to switch allegiance, not out of belief in APC’s leadership but as a survival strategy. He noted that no politician with a conscience would join the APC.
His remarks had sparked a sharp response from the APC, which his media office described as an attempt to stifle opposition voices and distract from Nigeria’s deepening crisis.
Responding to Tambuwal’s remarks, Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, described the former governor as a “notorious and vainglorious party defector” who should not be insulting those joining the ruling party. He said Tambuwal’s “itinerant defections” from one party to another were driven by “stomach infrastructure.”
But in a statement yesterday, Tambuwal’s media team said Morka’s statement was an attempt by the ruling party to silence opposition voices and divert public attention from the deepening crisis in the country.
It said the statement by Tambuwal during the North West PDP zonal meeting in Kaduna was not a mere political statement but a patriotic warning about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the team, APC’s attempt to frame recent defections as a result of President Tinubu’s “so-called” economic reforms is both misleading and insulting to Nigerians who continue to endure unprecedented hardship.
The media team said APC prioritised propaganda over governance, arguing that the party’s claims of economic progress were disconnected from the reality of millions of struggling Nigerians. “Foreign reserves and trade surpluses mean little when citizens cannot afford food, shelter, and healthcare.”
The team noted that with Nigeria at a critical crossroads, there is a need for leadership that prioritises integrity and national interest over political opportunism, adding that Nigerians should be vigilant and demand accountable governance rather than being swayed by short-term political incentives.
“Rather than addressing the pressing issues of economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failure, the APC resorts to cheap propaganda and personal attacks — a tactic that underscores its desperation and failure of leadership.
“As an experienced statesman, he has witnessed the APC’s increasing use of coercion, enticement, and intimidation to weaken the opposition and pave the way for one-party authoritarian rule.
“His warning serves as a wake-up call for all Nigerians to reject opportunistic politics and prioritise leadership defined by integrity, principle, and vision.
“The APC’s attempt to frame recent defections as a result of President Tinubu’s so-called economic reforms is both misleading and insulting to Nigerians who continue to endure unprecedented hardship.
“The reality under this administration is grim. Inflation has soared, pushing the cost of living beyond the reach of millions, while insecurity has worsened, turning homes, farms, and highways into danger zones.
“Unemployment rates continue to rise, with countless businesses shutting down, leaving many in despair and deepening the scourge of poverty.”
The statement added that as “one of the founding fathers” of the APC, Tambuwal “demonstrated an unassailable record of selflessness and patriotism.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has urged APC members to unite and mobilise grassroots support.
Mahmoud also urged them to remain united and committed to the party’s growth, emphasising the need for grassroots mobilisation and active youth and women participation in party affairs.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, she lauded the tireless efforts of the party’s leadership at all levels, recognising their role in solidifying APC’s dominance as the ruling party.
She also commended the achievements of the party, particularly in the FCT, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Mahmoud stressed that unity remains APC’s greatest strength, urging party members to put aside personal interests and resolve internal disputes through dialogue and respect for party supremacy.
“In the FCT, our party has made remarkable strides in governance. We have witnessed notable achievements in infrastructure development, security, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, among others.
“These achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of our party’s policies and the hard work of our elected representatives and Area Council chairmen,” she said.
Mahmoud also highlighted the importance of strengthening grassroots mobilization, encouraging more active participation of youths and women in party activities.
She called for transparency and fairness in all party affairs to sustain the party’s dominance and credibility.
She reaffirmed her belief in APC’s ability to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians, stressing that the party’s collective resolve would determine its future success.
“Our collective resolve is key to sustaining the dominance of APC as the ruling party. We can continue to deliver dividends of democracy to our people and build a stronger, more prosperous nation,” she declared.
FCT Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdulmalik Usman, on his part noted that the meeting served as a platform for party stakeholders to assess progress, review strategies, and strengthen internal democracy as APC looks ahead to future electoral challenges and governance responsibilities.
While acknowledging the tireless efforts of all members, he also harps on unity among party leadership at all levels-national, state, local government, and ward levels.
“The dedication of all members has continued to solidify APC’s position as the ruling party and the preferred choice of the people,”she said.
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