APC Must Govern Well, Not Just Win Elections — Gov. AbdulRazaq

Kwara State governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) must focus on governing well and delivering results, stressing that political parties endure not just by winning elections but by building trust, managing differences and providing direction in times of change.

The governor spoke at the APC national convention in Abuja on Friday night when he addressed President Bola Tinubu, the national chairman, leaders of the party, fellow governors, members of the National Assembly and delegates from across the federation.

Welcoming participants to what he described as a very important national convention, the governor said the gathering was “not just another gathering” but a moment to reflect on the party’s identity, values and responsibilities as leaders of both the party and the country.

According to him, the APC has come this far because it has never been just an electoral platform, but a party that has been able to bring people together, manage diversity and move forward with a shared purpose.

He said the party’s strength had been anchored on its ability to listen, accommodate and remain united, urging members to continue to protect a culture defined by dialogue, inclusion, discipline and collective responsibility.

AbdulRazaq commended President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the party had shown courage in taking difficult but necessary decisions, while adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda reflects a clear commitment to long-term progress even when the path is not easy.

Speaking on governance at the subnational level, the NGF chairman said that states play a critical role in policies that directly impact citizens, noting that their task is to ensure that reforms translate into real improvements in people’s lives.

He said on fiscal matters, states had actively shaped reforms to make them practical and balanced, citing initiatives such as the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) which he said were helping to strengthen revenue systems, improve land administration and enhance public financial management

He stressed that revenue only matters when it delivers results.

The governor added that states were investing in sustainable livelihoods for citizens, with significant interventions in agriculture and livestock, including programmes like the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-Pres) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), which support farmers and address climate vulnerability.

On human capital development, AbdulRazaq said programmes such as HOPE-GOV, HOPE-EDU, and HOPE-HEALTH, implemented in partnership with the Federal Government and the World Bank, are helping states strengthen financing and management of basic education and primary healthcare.

He further listed initiatives such as Primary Healthcare Under One Roof, the Health Compact, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, and the $5.1 billion Memorandum of Understanding recently signed with the United States under its America First Global Health Strategy as contributing to improved health indicators across states.

The governor stressed that development can only succeed where lives and livelihoods are protected, noting that states are working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other federal security agencies to strengthen coordination and support safer communities.

He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s efforts and investments in security, describing them as unprecedented and capable of addressing the nation’s challenges.

AbdulRazaq said what is changing in governance is not just what is done but how it is done, with better coordination, clearer focus, and stronger accountability.

He added that development does not happen in Abuja alone, noting that meaningful progress continues to be recorded across states, communities, and in everyday decisions that shape people’s lives.

“The strength of our party is not just in its size, but in its ability to govern well, to stay united, and to deliver results,” he said.

Looking ahead, he urged party members to remain focused, strengthen fiscal discipline while expanding opportunities, and continue investing in people while ensuring inclusion.

He emphasised the need to keep human capital at the centre of governance, saying the strength of the nation depends on the strength of its people.

AbdulRazaq called on party members to leave the convention more united in spirit, clearer in purpose, and firmer in their resolve to govern well, adding that the APC must continue to prove it is not only the party to beat at the polls but the one best equipped to govern Nigeria through impactful reforms and renewal.