Al-Makura to Yilwatda: Nigeria needs inclusive leadership, APC must lead by example

Tanko Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa state, says Nigeria’s democracy will only thrive under inclusive and just leadership.

In a letter addressed to Nentawe Yilwatda, the former governor congratulated the new All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, describing his appointment as “a profound reflection of the party’s collective will to usher in a new era of strategic renewal, unity, and stability”.

He said the APC, as the ruling party, must demonstrate leadership by upholding equity, fairness and internal democracy in its affairs.

“Our democracy can only grow when all citizens feel carried along, and that must start with how parties conduct themselves,” Al-Makura said.

“APC must lead by example. We must be seen practising what we preach.”

Al-Makura also urged stakeholders to place national interest above personal ambition and work towards building institutions that outlive individuals.

He said leaders must show empathy and responsiveness, especially in a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria.

“Nation-building is not the job of one man or one group. We must all work together to ensure everyone has a stake in the system,” he added.

Al-Makura, who played a central role in the 2013 merger that gave birth to the APC, said the new leadership represents an opportunity for reconciliation, cohesion, and a return to the founding ideals of the party.

“This is not just a change in leadership, but a reaffirmation of the core values upon which the APC was founded: discipline, equity, inclusivity, and nation-first thinking,” Al-Makura said.

He urged the new leadership to carry every member of the party along — from the ward to the national level — and restore the APC to its grassroots roots in both spirit and structure.

“The young must feel heard. The old must feel respected. And those who feel alienated must be reassured that they still have a home here,” he said.

Al-Makura said he remains available “not as a rival, but as a resource,” adding that his doors are open for consultation, mediation and collaboration.

On June 24, Yilwatda was appointed as the national chairman of the ruling party at its national executive committee (NEC) meeting held at the State House in Abuja following the resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on health grounds.