Abuja: As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has called on the Federal Government and All Progressive Congress (APC)-controlled states to better publicize their achievements. He emphasized that the silence from the ruling party is being exploited by the opposition to spread propaganda and create a disconnect between policy reforms and public perception.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Uzodinma made these remarks during the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF)’s Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit held in Abuja. As the PGF Chairman, Uzodinma highlighted the need for the APC to unify its structures and communicate its accomplishments effectively. He said that while President Bola Tinubu has undertaken transformative work for the country, the impact has not been fully communicated to the citizens, leading to a gap that the opposition is exploiting.
Uzodinma stressed the importance of those responsible for translating policy into public awareness to fully embrace
their roles. He reminded the audience, which included President Tinubu, governors, and ministers, that Nigeria is at a defining democratic phase. The nation is currently tested by economic challenges, digital misinformation, geopolitical uncertainties, and rising citizen expectations.
He noted that President Tinubu is actively reforming the nation’s macroeconomic architecture, strengthening security, and managing democratic competition. However, Uzodinma warned that in the age of social media, speed often trumps context, which can lead to misinformation. He insisted that structural reforms must be understood and internalized by the public to ensure democratic legitimacy.
Uzodinma recalled the economic challenges Tinubu inherited when he assumed office in May 2023, including depleted foreign reserves and high inflation rates. He commended the President for implementing necessary reforms, such as increasing foreign reserves to $49 billion, reducing inflation rates, and boosting oil production. He emphasized t
hat these policy successes need to be communicated effectively to bridge the gap between perception and reality.
He also highlighted fiscal and tax reforms, noting that initiatives like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and infrastructure projects have significantly benefited citizens. However, he lamented that a communication gap has prevented these achievements from being fully appreciated at the grassroots level.
Uzodinma called for a cohesive publicity policy and strengthening of communication channels. He suggested the adoption of grassroots templates and a unified messaging guide while allowing states to maintain their unique characteristics. He urged the PGF members to translate these reforms into stories that resonate with citizens across Nigeria.
He also emphasized the importance of Renewed Hope Ambassadors to disseminate the APC’s message effectively at various levels. Uzodinma concluded by acknowledging the enthusiasm among Nigerians for President Tinubu’s re-election bid and urged the APC Secret
ariat to ensure that support groups maintain message harmony. He commended President Tinubu for prioritizing long-term national interests over short-term gains and affirmed the readiness of subnational entities to align with the national direction.