By Prof Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali
Your Excellency,
Congratulations on the Anniversary of your eventful first year in office as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Today, we celebrate not merely the passage of one year in office (important as it is), but we are celebrating one year of purposeful, steady progress, and advancement of the APC under your able and inspiring leadership.
When you assumed the mantle of leadership of our great party, the APC, at a critical moment in the nation’s political history on 25th July 2025, you accepted a responsibility that demanded hardwork, courage, wisdom, patience and unwavering commitment. Expectations were very high, the challenges were enormous, and the political terrain was both demanding and unpredictable. Yet, through determination, exceptional administrative ability, and creativity, you have justified the confidence reposed in you by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and the leadership and members of our great Party.
Over the last one year, you have demonstrated that true leadership is not measured by loud noise, but by calm judgement, fairness, integrity and the ability to inspire confidence. Your inclusive approach to party administration has strengthened the bonds of unity among the rank and file within the APC family. Your style of leadership has also encouraged constructive engagements among leading stakeholders within the party and reinforced the spirit of compromise and accommodation that has remained one of the greatest assets of the APC.
One of the defining, perhaps, testing moments of your first year in office, was the successful conduct of the APC primary elections. It was a delicate National assignment that required wisdom, impartiality and extraordinary political dexterity. Under your watch, the Party navigated through that sensitive exercise with maturity and credibility, laying a solid foundation for the journey towards the 2027 General Elections.
Your commitment to dialogue, extensive consultations and reconciliation, especially among aggrieved members, who might have lost out during the primaries, ensured that the Party emerged stronger, more united and better prepared for the tasks ahead. What has distinguished your leadership is not only your intellectual brilliance or your impressive record as an administrator, which are indisputable, but also your humility. You have remained approachable, respectful and receptive to people from all backgrounds. You listen before you speak, you build bridges instead of creating walls, and you consistently place the collective interest of the Party above personal considerations. These rare qualities have earned you the respect and admiration of colleagues, party faithfuls and even among political opponents, even if they do not want to admit it publicly!
As an accomplished academic, a distinguished public servant and now the leader of Nigeria’s foremost political party – the ruling party – you continue to demonstrate that excellence, integrity and dedication can indeed coexist in public leadership. Your tenure has renewed confidence in the capacity of principled leadership to strengthen institutions and promote democratic values.
As you mark this memorable first year anniversary, I wish to join all our party members nationwide, friends and well-wishers, in expressing our profound commendation for your selfless service, your sacrifices and your unwavering commitment to the progress of the APC and the advancement of our democracy in Nigeria.
May Almighty God continue to endow you with even greater wisdom, sound health, abundant strength and Divine guidance as you continue to provide visionary leadership for our great Party. May your deep commitment to the service to our dear party and to our great nation – Nigeria, continue to be marked by peace, fulfilment and enduring success. May God grant you the grace to accomplish even greater achievements in the years ahead – especially the 2027 General Elections – From Top to Bottom.
Once Again, Congratulations Your Excellency,