President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, Imo governor, Hope Uzodinma, as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as members of the Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation, to resolve disputes within the party, ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu inaugurated the committee in Lagos on Wednesday.
Onanuga said the committee, comprising APC governors, federal cabinet members, and key stakeholders, has Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe, as chairman and Muiz Banire, a former APC legal adviser, as member/secretary.
The panel also has Adamu Aliero, a senator from Kebbi; AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara and chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF); and Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo and chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum.
Other governors who are members of the committee are Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).
Also on the committee are Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, and Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, and Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence; as well as Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi.
Speaking at the inauguration, Buni expressed appreciation for the appointment and pledged the committee’s commitment to delivering on its mandate responsibly.
“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive, and results-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni said.
“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope.
“Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach.”
He urged members “not to allow personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted.”
Tinubu had, on Friday, December 19, at the 15th national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the APC held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, harped on the need for cohesion within the ruling party.
He reminded party leaders that the APC was built on the ideals of progressive politics, broad-based participation, and respect for diversity of opinion.
“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail. We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller,” the president had said at the meeting.
“But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient; we must be tolerant.”
