Alabi Slams Publicity Efforts For Tinubu's Strides

Dr. Femi Alabi, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently voiced concerns that the significant achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration are being undermined by inadequate public awareness and persistent misinformation. Alabi delivered this crucial message in his keynote address at the inauguration of state coordinators for the Tinubu/Shettima Grassroots Canvassers—a specialized wing of the Concerned National APC Stakeholders Forum—held in Abuja over the past weekend.

Speaking on the pertinent theme, “Engendering Progressive Governance: The Role of Citizens,” Dr. Alabi emphasized that truly effective leadership must successfully translate its policies into tangible improvements that directly benefit the lives of citizens. He specifically highlighted that existing communication gaps and various socio-economic headwinds pose a considerable risk of obscuring the administration's progress and achievements from the populace. Alabi elaborated on the comprehensive nature of progressive governance, stating it encompasses crucial elements such as good governance, accountability, robust economic growth, extensive infrastructure development, enhanced national security, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law. However, he cautioned that factors like widespread misinformation, growing political intolerance, high youth unemployment rates, weak civic participation, and a general lack of public awareness regarding government programs could significantly impede these vital efforts.

In response to these challenges, Alabi urged Nigerian citizens to transition from merely passive observation to actively engaging in the nation's development process. He specifically tasked the newly inaugurated grassroots canvassers with the critical responsibility of serving as an ethical and reliable bridge between the government and the electorate. He stipulated that all grassroots mobilization efforts must be conducted with the highest levels of integrity, discipline, profound respect for divergent opinions, and an unyielding commitment to lawful democratic engagement. Furthermore, Dr. Alabi strongly advocated for reinforced collaboration among various government bodies, civil society organizations, and local communities to ensure a cohesive national effort.

Echoing and expanding on these sentiments, Dr. Dominic Alancha, the National Coordinator of the Forum, specifically instructed the sub-national coordinators to promptly disseminate the administration's progress reports directly to the grassroots. This directive comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually intensify. Alancha critically underscored the fundamental principle that ultimate electoral success is decided at the local level. Consequently, he directed the canvassers to diligently build robust and highly functional networks extending deep into local governments, wards, and individual polling units across the nation.

Dr. Alancha clearly articulated the philosophy behind their approach, stating, “Our campaign must be a campaign of ideas, engagement, persuasion, and performance—not intimidation or abuse.” He charged the coordinators to perceive their roles not as a political privilege, but rather as a profound public service. He laid out clear expectations for their conduct, instructing them to serve as adept grassroots communicators, attentive listeners, effective mobilizers, and credible ambassadors. Their mandate includes actively listening to the concerns of everyday Nigerians, explaining government policies with absolute accuracy, and, most importantly, responding to and correcting misinformation with verifiable facts instead of resorting to insults or political hostility. This comprehensive strategy aims to foster informed public participation and reinforce democratic principles at the foundational level.