The All Progressives Congress (APC) has become stronger, more united, and remains Nigeria’s leading political party, according to Imo State governor and chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodinma.
Speaking after the party’s National Caucus meeting at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday night, Uzodinma said the APC will continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and outperform its rivals.
“Our party is united, stronger, focused, and fully behind the government. Despite the challenges of governance, the party is doing so well, and we need to celebrate our own. The APC is the party to beat and the envy of other political parties, not only in Nigeria but across Africa,” he said.
He reiterated the party’s backing for the president’s economic and governance reforms, acknowledging the difficulties they have brought but expressing optimism about their impact.
“We are not unaware of the hardship associated with the various reforms going on, but gradually, the dividends are beginning to manifest. We are now better off in terms of revenue generation, with more resources available for infrastructure, social programmes, and economic growth,” he stated.
Uzodinma also praised President Tinubu’s approach to national security, particularly in the South-East, where he said stability has improved.
“If you recall, three years ago, it was almost impossible to visit any part of the South-East for any function, even for burials.
“People were being buried in townships instead of their villages, and marriages were not held in rural areas. But now, with the way this government has managed insecurity, farmers have returned to their farms, and people can move freely again,” he said.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist in some areas, he maintained that conditions have significantly improved.
On the issue of internal democracy within the APC, Uzodinma rejected claims that the party operates as a “one-man show,” insisting that it allows for broad participation.
“APC is a very large political party with different organs, from the polling units to the national level. Everything we do is democratic. For instance, we are preparing for the off-cycle election in Anambra State. Forms are being sold, aspirants are buying them, and we will follow our internal process to select a candidate,” he explained.
He argued that the party’s continued electoral victories reflected its democratic structure and growing support.
“Why are we winning all these elections? It is because we have demonstrated high capacity and respect for democracy,” he said.
Responding to suggestions that the party was being controlled by a single individual, Governor Uzodinma pointed to the attendance of governors from all six geopolitical zones at the meeting as evidence of inclusivity.
“I believe in practical things. Standing here now, I see the governors of Lagos, Edo, Jigawa, and Sokoto states. If all zones are represented, what does inclusivity mean if not this? APC is not a one-man show,” he declared.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Progressives Institute, a newly launched research and training body, as part of the party’s efforts to strengthen governance and capacity-building.
With the APC preparing for upcoming elections and policy initiatives, Uzodinma reaffirmed the party’s focus on governance, economic progress, and national stability.
