APC convention: Tinubu reforms to take centre stage – Dogara

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, says the forthcoming national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will highlight the impact of reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and provide room for introspection.

Speaking on ARISE News on Friday, Dogara stressed that the gathering is beyond routine politics.

“I think for us, it’s not just a convention. This is going to be our eighth national convention since the formation of the APC.”

He said Nigerians should expect a detailed account of the administration’s performance.

“What would Nigerian citizens expect? I expect to see that there will be telling stories as to how this reformist president… has impacted a number of Nigerians.”

Dogara added that the exercise would also serve as a moment of reflection for the party.

“It will offer us the opportunity for a deeper, more introspection as to what APC has done.”

On internal grievances, he urged members to treat disagreements as domestic issues.

“I believe whatever the situation is, it is a family issue and it should be resolved as such.”

Defending the consensus model adopted by the party, he said it promotes legality and unity.

“I believe that the party is perfectly in sync with the law by adopting the consensus model… if there are issues, we should be able to pick them up and address them.”

Highlighting Tinubu’s policies, Dogara pointed to interventions in education, infrastructure, and enterprise funding.

“Except if you are not Nigerian, you would have noticed the President’s critical intervention… especially what excites me is NELFUND… the coastal road, Sokoto to Badagry… they are transformative.”

He maintained that achievements in supporting youth and women-led businesses would reshape public perception.

“When you look at funding enterprises… I believe the narrative will begin to shift… there are so many telling stories that have not been told.”

On opposition politics, Dogara dismissed claims of interference by the ruling party.

“I can’t see where anyone in APC is being directly involved in messing up with the opposition… you cannot be held accountable when you don’t have a viable opposition.”

He also clarified that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is not a member of the APC.

“Membership is determined by the registration in the party’s database… you will not find the FCT Minister’s name there.”