Senior figures of the governing All Progressives Congress have pledged to intensify grassroots engagement as the party moves to broaden public understanding of the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu and consolidate support for his administration.
The commitment was made on Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting of party governors and leaders under the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative, which focused on internal unity and more effective communication of government policies.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, said the government would enter a new phase of accelerated delivery in 2026 following what he described as a period of economic stabilisation. He said the proposed N58.18 trillion federal budget would provide the foundation for this phase, with emphasis on capital projects and strengthened national security funding.
Shettima said recent fiscal and tax reforms were designed to protect vulnerable citizens, encourage enterprise and improve accountability in public finance. He added that an executive order on remittances to the federation account was aimed at safeguarding national revenues and reducing inefficiencies.
He noted that early indicators suggested the reforms were beginning to yield results, pointing to easing inflation, improved currency stability and renewed investor confidence. According to him, Nigeria attracted five of the seven major investment decisions recorded across Africa in 2025, reflecting growing confidence in the economy.
The Vice President stressed that sustained public support depended on clear and consistent explanation of government actions. He urged members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to take engagement beyond formal venues and into communities, markets and educational institutions, while also relaying public feedback to government.
He also called for reconciliation within the party, urging leaders to resolve internal disagreements in the interest of development. He cited Benue State as an example where unity among party stakeholders was needed to move governance forward.
Earlier, the party’s national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said many infrastructure and development projects delivered by the federal and state governments had received limited public attention due to weak communication. He said effective messaging was essential to ensure that governance outcomes translated into public trust.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, said the summit was intended to strengthen cohesion within the party and promote accurate communication of policy choices. He said closing gaps in public perception was vital to earning trust at the grassroots.
Other speakers, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, emphasised the need for inclusive engagement and national unity around the administration’s agenda. The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, speaking on behalf of cabinet members, expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would lead to increased investment and job creation.
The meeting ended with party leaders reaffirming their support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and their resolve to align grassroots mobilisation with the administration’s reform priorities as the next phase of governance begins.
