PHOTO: (L-R) Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) with Dr Lanre Adebayo, Director General of The Progressive Institute (TPI) during yesterday’s visit of the Chairman to the institute.
By Crystal Ugoeze
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to institutional stability, intellectual rigour and evidence-based decision-making, describing The Progressive Institute (TPI) as a central pillar of the party’s ideological and organisational framework.
A statement by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser(Media and Commucation strategy ) to Yilwatda, said he stated this known on Tuesday during a facility tour of TPI’s office in Abuja, his first official engagement with the Institute since assuming office. He commended the leadership and staff of TPI for what he described as their vision, resilience and deliberate efforts to preserve the Institute’s independence.
“This is my first visit to the Institute, and I must commend the efforts made so far, particularly the deliberate steps taken to ensure its independence,” the APC chairman said.
He noted that the establishment of TPI aligns with one of the cardinal objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the Institute plays a critical role in stabilising the party and strengthening its internal democratic processes.
According to him, the APC leadership has, over the past six months, focused on building structured relationships with key sectors such as academia, civil society, development partners and the private sector, a strategy he said fits squarely within TPI’s mandate.
Professor Yilwatda also disclosed ongoing discussions with the European Union on potential collaboration, particularly in research and conflict management, noting that such partnerships would enhance the Institute’s relevance and global outlook.
To further strengthen data-driven strategy within the party, the APC chairman announced plans to expand research capacity, especially in opinion polling, policy research and strategic decision-making.
“We need credible opinion polls and rigorous research to guide our strategic choices, and I expect the Institute to be of immense assistance to the party in this regard,” he said.
On capacity development, he assured that the party would work with relevant stakeholders to ensure nationwide participation in TPI-led training programmes. He also pledged to explore support for land acquisition for the Institute, emphasising the need for an internationally accessible location in Abuja.
“We must develop this Institute to international standards, so that it can perform optimally and serve as a reference point for political research and training,” he added.
Earlier, the Director General of The Progressive Institute, Dr. Lanre Adebayo, described TPI as the APC’s think tank and resource centre, designed to provide intellectual stability in a political environment often marked by pressure and rapid decision-making.
“Political party offices are naturally intense, but an institute like this exists to create stability, reflection and structure,” Dr. Adebayo said, noting that similar institutions worldwide play key roles in sustaining party systems.
He highlighted the Institute’s achievements over the past year, including extensive training and capacity-building programmes across Nigeria and Europe, training of over 5,000 stakeholders in Katsina State, recent programmes for commissioners and special advisers in Niger State, and preparations to train permanent secretaries and other senior public officers.
Dr. Adebayo said TPI remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ensuring its effective dissemination across all levels of society. He added that while the Institute is designed to be self-funding, largely through proceeds from training programmes, a sustainable financial framework is needed to guarantee long-term independence and contribution to the party.
He also revealed that TPI has developed a strategic roadmap for international engagement and the next election cycle, with particular focus on strengthening engagement with the media and non-governmental organisations.
The APC chairman was received by other senior officials of the Institute, including the Director of Training and Programmes, Mallam Sanusi; Director of Finance, Dr. Ibor Bassey; Egos Queen Ezuma; Director of Legal Studies; and Saad.
The visit concluded with appreciation from the Institute’s management for the chairman’s support and engagement.