The Governor of Nigeria’s Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has praised the “maturity” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the election of a new party leadership in the capital, Abuja. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was elected as the party’s National Chairman alongside a new National Working Committee (NWC) during a weekend convention that many observers saw as a test of the party’s internal stability.In a statement released via his media aide, Governor Ododo described the event as a reflection of the party’s democratic ideals and its readiness to consolidate power ahead of future cycles.
A ‘consensus’ victory
The election of Professor Yilwatda comes at a pivotal time for the APC. While Nigerian political conventions are often marked by high-stakes horse-trading, Mr. Ododo characterized this process as “peaceful and consensus-driven.””The emergence of the new leadership… brings to the fore the maturity and resilience of our great party,” the Governor said, adding that the transition would help unify various factions within the organization.
Support for Tinubu’s ‘bitter pill’ reforms
Beyond party internal politics, Governor Ododo used the occasion to throw his weight behind the ambitious — and often controversial — economic agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Since taking office, President Tinubu has introduced sweeping reforms, most notably: The removal of fuel subsidies: A move that has significantly increased the cost of living for many Nigerians.
Currency unification: The floating of the Naira, aimed at stabilizing the foreign exchange market. Governor Ododo described these measures as “courageous but necessary,” arguing that despite the “initial economic challenges” felt by citizens, they are essential for long-term national stability. He credited the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda for making the party more attractive to the Nigerian electorate.
Looking ahead
The Governor urged the newly minted officials to prioritize transparency and inclusiveness to justify the confidence placed in them by party members. As the APC prepares for the next phase of its administration, the focus now shifts to whether the new Yilwatda-led committee can maintain this “consensus” while navigating the country’s complex economic landscape.
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