THIS DAWN — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC), tasked with strengthening internal cohesion and preparing the ruling party for the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration took place in Lagos on Wednesday, with Tinubu emphasizing the importance of unity, tolerance, and inclusiveness within the APC as it faces the challenges of governance and electoral competition.
Composition of the Committee
The committee brings together governors, ministers, and senior party stakeholders.
It is chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, a former APC caretaker chairman, while Muiz Banire, former National Legal Adviser of the party, serves as Member/Secretary.
Other members include:
- Senator Adamu Aliero
- Governor Abdulrahman AbduRazak of Kwara State, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum
- Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum
- Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta)
- Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers)
- Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola
- Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle
- Former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello
The broad membership reflects Tinubu’s push for inclusivity and representation across regions and political blocs within the APC.
Buni’s Commitment
In his acceptance remarks, Governor Buni expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead the committee with “utmost responsibility and dedication.”
“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni said.
He added that the committee would implement systems that give all members, particularly aggrieved factions, “a sense of belonging and inclusion, with renewed hope.”
Buni also stressed the need for proactive measures to anticipate potential threats, urging members not to allow personal interests to override the collective purpose of the committee.
Tinubu’s Call for Cohesion
The inauguration follows Tinubu’s remarks at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on December 19 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
At that meeting, the President underscored the need for unity within the ruling party, reminding leaders of its founding ideals of progressive politics, broad-based participation, and respect for diverse opinions.
“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail.
“We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating.
That’s the only way we can be resilient; we must be tolerant,” Tinubu said.
Significance Ahead of 2027
Political analysts view the committee’s inauguration as a strategic move to consolidate APC’s base, manage internal disputes, and mobilise grassroots support ahead of the 2027 polls.
With Nigeria’s political landscape often marked by factionalism, the committee’s success could prove pivotal in ensuring APC’s stability and electoral competitiveness.
By inaugurating the Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation Committee, Tinubu has signaled his determination to keep the APC united and forward-looking.
As Governor Buni and his team begin their work, the ruling party faces the test of balancing diverse interests while projecting cohesion in the run-up to the next general elections.
