In a strategic move to fortify the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid lingering internal tensions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated a Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in Lagos. The committee aims to address disputes within Nigeria's ruling party as it prepares for the crucial 2027 general elections.
The formation of this body comes just days after the APC's 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on December 19, 2025, where President Tinubu emphasized the imperative of party unity and tolerance. This initiative underscores the president's proactive efforts to prevent factionalism from undermining the APC's electoral prospects, drawing on lessons from past internal crises that have plagued Nigerian political parties.
The committee is chaired by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, a seasoned party administrator who previously led the APC's Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee from 2020 to 2022, successfully navigating the party through legal and internal challenges to organize a national convention. Serving as Member/Secretary is Muiz Banire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former National Legal Adviser of the APC.
- Other members include prominent figures representing diverse regional and political interests within the party:
- Senator Adamu Aliero (former Kebbi State Governor)
- Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum)
- Hope Uzodimma (Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum)
- Hyacinth Alia (Benue State Governor)
- Umar Namadi (Jigawa State Governor)
- Bassey Otu (Cross River State Governor)
- Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti State Governor)
- Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State Governor)
- Uba Sani (Kaduna State Governor)
- Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State Governor)
- Adegboyega Oyetola (Minister of Marine and Blue Economy)
- Bello Matawalle (Minister of State for Defence)
- Yahaya Bello (former Kogi State Governor)
This composition reflects a deliberate balance, incorporating governors from various geopolitical zones, federal ministers, and influential stakeholders to ensure broad representation and credibility in conflict resolution efforts.
At the inauguration ceremony, Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and the party leadership for the trust placed in the committee. He pledged to execute the mandate with "utmost responsibility and dedication."
Buni outlined the committee's approach: "The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time. We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope."
He further emphasized proactive measures: "Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach." Buni cautioned members against allowing "personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted."[^4][^5]
The committee's establishment directly stems from President Tinubu's remarks at the APC's 15th NEC meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on December 19, 2025. During that session, Tinubu reminded party leaders of the APC's foundational principles: progressive politics, broad-based participation, and respect for diversity of opinion.
He stated: "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. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient, we must be tolerant." These words highlighted the need for internal cohesion to sustain the party's dominance and democratic ideals.[^6][^7]
Political analysts view this development as a timely intervention. The APC, having secured victories in 2015 and 2019 before Tinubu's 2023 win, has faced recurring challenges from factional disputes, defections, and post-primary grievances in states like Rivers, Edo, and Ondo. With the 2027 elections approaching—where Tinubu may seek re-election or the party fields a successor—internal harmony is seen as critical to mobilizing grassroots support and countering opposition consolidation.
The inclusion of figures like Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara (from the opposition-tilted PDP background but now aligned) and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello signals an intent to bridge divides across ideological and regional lines. Similarly, ministers like Oyetola and Matawalle bring federal executive influence to the reconciliation process.
This committee echoes past efforts, such as the 2020 caretaker committee under Buni, which stabilized the party amid leadership crises. By prioritizing inclusivity and proactive threat assessment, the new body aims to preempt escalations that could lead to court battles or mass defections, which have historically weakened ruling parties in Nigeria.
As Nigeria's political landscape heats up, with opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party regrouping, the APC's ability to present a united front will be pivotal. President Tinubu's action demonstrates leadership foresight, positioning the party to not only resolve existing conflicts but also craft a robust mobilization strategy for nationwide electoral success in 2027.
This initiative aligns with broader calls for political stability in Nigeria, where party cohesion often determines governance effectiveness and democratic resilience.
