By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed state and zonal coordinators to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo issued the directive on Saturday in Abuja at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors network’s fourth strategic meeting.

Party officials, coordinators and stakeholders attended the meeting to review mobilisation strategies and align communication efforts with the administration’s policy direction.

The meeting followed an earlier session organised by the Progressive Governors’ Forum in February at the Presidential Villa, attended by President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Uzodimma said the network was created to promote the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots through a unified mobilisation framework.

According to him, the initiative seeks to bridge the information gap between government and citizens, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“This outfit is designed to create national awareness, help citizens understand the reasons for the President’s reforms and their benefits,” he said.

He urged coordinators to clearly communicate government policies to Nigerians to prevent misinformation and misinterpretation of ongoing reforms.

Uzodimma said effective engagement would build public trust and ensure citizens are properly informed about policy intentions and expected outcomes.

“If we do not inform the people properly, this government will be misunderstood,” he said.

Uzodimma credited Tinubu with implementing bold reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth and development.

He said the reforms, though challenging, were necessary to stabilise the economy and lay a foundation for long-term national prosperity.

He alleged that opposition elements were spreading misinformation to undermine government programmes and confuse the public.

The governor warned that unchecked misinformation could erode public confidence and distort the true impact of ongoing reforms.

He called for unity within the network, noting that the ruling party currently enjoys the support of 31 state governors nationwide.

Uzodimma said such support provides a strong platform for coordinated mobilisation and effective dissemination of government achievements.

He outlined inherited challenges, including stalled subsidy reforms, low minimum wage and a high number of out-of-school children.

According to him, these issues required decisive policy interventions and sustained commitment from all levels of government.

He said the administration has recorded measurable progress through policies targeting economic recovery and social development.

“As I speak, over one million students are benefiting from the National Education Loan Fund programme,” he said.

Uzodimma said the scheme has improved access to tertiary education and reduced financial burdens on students and their families.

He also cited a drop in rice prices, from about N120,000 per bag two years ago to approximately N50,000 currently.

According to him, the reduction reflects improved agricultural output and policy measures aimed at stabilising food prices.

“All these achievements must be communicated effectively for Nigerians to appreciate the progress being made,” he said.

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State called for stronger amplification of the administration’s achievements at the subnational level.

Sani said state governments must tailor communication strategies to local realities to ensure policies resonate with grassroots communities.

He said initiatives such as primary healthcare improvements and other development programmes should be properly disseminated to grassroots communities.

Similarly, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State stressed the need for synergy among members to enhance effective communication of government successes.

He said collaboration among coordinators would strengthen outreach and ensure consistent messaging across all regions.

“Synergy will aid our task of spreading the successes of this administration, including efforts to tackle insecurity in the North-East,” Yahaya said.

The governors expressed confidence that sustained mobilisation would strengthen public support for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

They urged members to remain committed, disciplined and focused in delivering the party’s message across all communities. (NAN)

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