Leadership is often measured not just by the ability to implement policies, but by the resilience to weather storms and the vision to turn challenges into success stories. Over the past year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exemplified this kind of leadership, navigating Nigeria through tough but necessary reforms. The recognition of these efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) this past week—culminating in a unanimous vote of confidence—further underscores the success of his strategic approach.
At the National Caucus meeting of the APC, held at the State House Conference Center on Tuesday night, party leaders took stock of Tinubu’s administration, reviewing his bold economic reforms, security improvements, and efforts to stabilize the nation’s economy. What began as a turbulent transition—marked by the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—has steadily evolved into a period of recovery and renewed optimism.
Acknowledging the resilience of both the party and the nation, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, led the charge in appreciating the President’s leadership.
“First, I congratulate the leadership of the party that despite all challenges, the party continues to wax stronger,” Uzodinma said. He praised President Tinubu’s courage in navigating Nigeria’s affairs and highlighted how APC had become the “envy of all political parties in Africa” under his leadership.
But Uzodinma’s commendation went beyond rhetoric. He called for a decisive statement from the National Caucus, urging members to formally affirm their support for Tinubu’s government.
“I will want us, before the end of this meeting, to show proper commitment and identify with the reform policies of the government. Indeed, because the President has been able to drive most of our articles in our manifestos to fruition, we should be able to give him a vote of implicit confidence,” he declared.
The motion, which was seconded and unanimously approved, was a clear testament to the growing belief within the ruling party that Tinubu’s policies, though initially met with resistance, are now yielding tangible benefits.
Among the strongest affirmations of Tinubu’s success came from Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who pointed to significant improvements in security and food prices. Representing Zamfara West, a region that had long suffered from violent banditry, Yari described the transformation under Tinubu’s administration.
“There are places where we could not drive to, people evacuated because of insecurity,” Yari recounted. “However, today, under the watch of our President, everyone can drive and ply that road, free.”
For years, areas like Dansadau and Kulembana—once responsible for 60% of Zamfara’s agricultural produce—had become inaccessible due to relentless attacks by bandits. Residents were forced to move in convoys under military escort just to reach the state capital. But today, as Yari emphasized, those same roads are safe again, allowing businesses and farming activities to resume.
Beyond security, Yari also pointed to declining food prices as another indicator of Tinubu’s policies bearing fruit.
“After the rainy season last year, I bought 100kg of millet at N84,000,” he said. “But today, Mr. President, it’s between N60,000 and N65,000.”
For ordinary Nigerians, this shift is critical. The administration’s efforts to boost food production and stabilize the naira are beginning to ease the economic burden on citizens, especially as the holy month of Ramadan approaches.
By Wednesday, at the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, the call for a confidence vote had gained even more momentum. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and PGF Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, once again reiterated the party’s full support for Tinubu’s leadership.
While opposition voices may continue to challenge the administration’s approach, the overwhelming endorsement by the APC’s highest decision-making bodies signals that the party remains united behind Tinubu’s vision. It also reinforces the idea that governance is a long game—one where short-term discomfort can pave the way for long-term stability and growth.
As the APC’s leadership closed ranks behind the President, the message was clear: Tinubu’s approach is working. His administration has not only maintained party cohesion, but has also started delivering on the promises that initially seemed like difficult bets.
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Leadership requires taking difficult decisions, standing firm in the face of uncertainty, and having the patience to see reforms through. The APC’s vote of confidence in President Tinubu is not just a political endorsement—it is an acknowledgment that Nigeria is on the right path under his leadership.
The challenges ahead remain, but if the past year is any indication, Tinubu has both the vision and the resolve to lead Nigeria toward a more prosperous future.
A Budget for Prosperity, A Message of Hope
In governance, two things matter most: action and intent. This past week, on Friday to be exact, the President demonstrated both. First, by signing the historic N54.99 trillion 2025 Budget of Transformation, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic recovery and shared prosperity. Then, in his Ramadan message, he reminded Nigerians of the power of unity, compassion, and resilience in navigating challenging times.
Though separate occasions, both speak to the same underlying goal—building an economy that works for all Nigerians.
When President Tinubu assumed office, he inherited an economy in distress. Hard decisions were made, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—policies that initially caused widespread concern. However, as the President confidently declared while signing the 2025 budget, these reforms have “achieved what many deemed impossible.”
And the numbers back him up. Nigeria’s GDP growth rebounded to 3.86 percent, national revenue surged to ₦21.63 trillion, and the budget deficit dropped significantly. The naira, once battered by market uncertainty, has stabilized, reflecting a more resilient economy.
But beyond statistics, what stands out in this budget is its focus on people. With a ₦23.96 trillion capital expenditure, the government is investing heavily in infrastructure, agriculture, and job creation. These are not just figures; they represent roads to be built, schools to be improved, and businesses to be supported.
“We affirm our commitment to securing the future, rebuilding prosperity, and ensuring that every Nigerian shares in the dividends of governance,” Tinubu assured.
Coinciding with this economic milestone is the beginning of Ramadan, a period of spiritual renewal and generosity. In his message to Nigerians, President Tinubu recognized the significance of the holy month and the economic realities facing citizens.
“As the wet season approaches, we remain steadfast in boosting agricultural productivity. We are determined to enhance food production and ensure self-sufficiency and food security for all Nigerians,” he promised.
This is not mere rhetoric. The government has rolled out targeted input support, mechanization, and innovative farming initiatives to tackle food scarcity and high prices. And, as the President pointed out, there are already signs of improvement.
“Food prices are beginning to decline, the exchange rate is stabilizing, and fuel prices have dropped,” he noted.
Ramadan, beyond its religious essence, is also a time of unity and shared sacrifice. Tinubu’s call for compassion—urging Nigerians to extend kindness to their neighbours, especially those in need—resonates deeply in a country where economic hardship has tested many.
President Tinubu’s leadership in the past year has been defined by tough but necessary decisions. Now, the early signs of economic stability are beginning to emerge, reinforcing the idea that Nigeria is on the right path.
The 2025 budget sets the course for growth, while the Ramadan message serves as a reminder that prosperity is only meaningful when it is shared. As Nigerians fast and pray, there is a renewed sense of hope—hope that the sacrifices made will soon yield a stronger, more prosperous nation.
Meanwhile, the week was not just all about the events of Tuesday/Wednesday which celebrated the President’s successes at running successful reforms and leadership, or those of Friday, when economic concerns took centre stage. Other things happened on those days, which were not just about politics or economy. There were also other days featuring other concerns; there was Monday and there was Thursday. His week was a mix of leadership engagements, policy discussions, and personal moments of celebration and reflection.
Monday began with the President celebrating his Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, who turned 50. The same day, he met with the National Population Commission (NPC), firmly stating that he would not support an inconsistent approach to conducting a population and housing census. “Get your house together before reaching out to development partners,” he warned the commission’s leadership.
Later, he received a report from participants of Senior Executive Course 46 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), reaffirming the government’s focus on the digital economy and youth empowerment.
On Tuesday, he took time to commiserate with Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, over the passing of his mother-in-law, Hajia Hauwa Yakub Usman. Wednesday saw the President extending warm wishes to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on his 50th birthday.
On Thursday, he celebrated Mama Christiana Modupe Ajibola, a respected educationist who turned 100. Later, he met with Airtel Chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, discussing economic expansion and investment opportunities.
The week concluded on Friday, starting on a somber note as he mourned Chief Anike Agbaje-Williams, Africa’s first television broadcaster. He also received Nigerian-born NFL champion, Morotoluwa Ojomo, and his parents, Mr and Mrs Ololade Ojomo, at the Villa, affirming that the athlete’s Super Bowl moment and display of the Nigerian flag rekindled national pride. Later, he welcomed Akwa Ibom stakeholders, strengthening relationships with key political and traditional leaders. He was even conferred with the Otuekong chieftaincy title, which is translates to Commander-in-Chief in the Ibibio language.
It was a week that showcased Tinubu’s governance approach—balancing national priorities with personal connections, reinforcing his commitment to economic progress, institutional discipline, and social harmony.
Now it is a new week, one opening with a strong spiritual content; it is the first week of the month of Ramadan. It should come with its own flavour.