By Crystal Ugoeze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to address internal disputes and strengthen party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration took place on Wednesday in Lagos. The committee is composed of serving governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and other key stakeholders of the ruling party.
Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, was named Chairman of the committee, while former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, will serve as Member/Secretary.
Other members include Senator Adamu Aliero; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; as well as Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).
Also on the committee are Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers); Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Speaking at the inauguration, Buni expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee members. He assured that the assignment would be carried out with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment.
According to him, the committee will embark on wide-ranging consultations and strategic engagements aimed at developing an inclusive, effective and sustainable framework for resolving disputes within the party.
He said the panel would also adopt proactive measures in addressing potential threats and conflicts, while ensuring that aggrieved members feel a sense of belonging and inclusion within the APC.
Buni urged committee members to put the collective interest of the party above personal considerations, stressing that unity and tolerance were critical to the APC’s future.
President Tinubu had earlier underscored the need for unity within the party at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee meeting held on December 19 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. He reminded party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals, inclusiveness and respect for diverse opinions.
The President had warned that democracy could only thrive if party leaders embraced accommodation and tolerance, noting that internal cohesion was essential for the resilience and stability of the ruling party.