July 24, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, welcomed and invited defecting members of opposition parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying, “It is not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship or stay away from coalition of confusion”.
The President spoke in his address at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
THEWILL reports ongoing political alliance by opposition leaders against President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, resulting in the emergence of a coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amid the coalition movement, the irreconcilable differences in the opposition peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the leadership crisis in the Labour Party (LP), have seen several members joining the APC.
Speaking at the APC NEC meeting, President Tinubu said there is room for defecting politicians to joining the APC. He welcomed the defectors, including Delta governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his counterpart in Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno, who recently dumped the PDP for the APC.
“It’s not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship and be absent from a coalition of confusion. With the space that we have created to allow aspiring people to join us, our doors are still open and we should embrace them wholeheartedly”, he said.
The President also charged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Progressive Governors Forum to immediately secure land and begin construction of a befitting national secretariat for the APC.
Stressing the need for the APC to leave behind enduring structures and expand its institutional presence, President Tinubu said, “We should put a committee together of progressive governors to find an appropriate land and build an insect area. I take that. I think we should do that.”
Highlighting his administration’s efforts, President Tinubu declared that the Nigerian economy has stabilised, despite the challenges inherited by his government.
“I can report to you today that the economy that you inherited, wobbling for views, is today stabilised, and we are making growth”, he said, citing recent gains in revenue performance.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national security and food stability, noting the progress made in counterterrorism efforts.
“Thousands of terrorists and bandits have been neutralise, the fear is going down. However, we still have to be very, very serious, vigilant, and make sure that we put additional investment in our people”, he said.
On internal party affairs, the President urged the newly elected National Chairman to establish a committee that would tour the country to facilitate the smooth registration of new members, especially recent defectors.
“Our doors are still open and we should embrace them wholeheartedly, Those who have joined us should enjoy the registration and the membership of our party without any difficulty”, he said.
Addressing the need for deeper community engagement, President Tinubu challenged APC governors to do more for their constituents.
“Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. So you, the governors, you have to wet the grass more. Now that the economy is stabilised, there is no other fear for the country except upward movement and sustained growth”, he said.
The President used the occasion to appreciate party leaders, governors, and other stakeholders for their support. He particularly commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his dignified role during the funeral of the former national chairman of the APC.
“Let me, thank the Vice President for a very successful role he played to myself, the country, he brought back with dignity the legacy of our great party”, Tinubu said, visibly moved by the memory. He described the moment as “emotionally distraught for me, emotionally distraught for all of us.”
Paying tribute to deceased party stalwarts, Tinubu acknowledged their contributions to national development and offered prayers for their eternal rest.
“May Almighty God forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal freedom”, he said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
