At a conference held at the organisation’s headquarters, its President, Vincent Ibhaze, highlighted key policy decisions, while a statement co-signed by Ibhaze and Executive Secretary Ken Obue outlined the group’s position.

The statement noted the removal of the fuel subsidy as a major policy move. While controversial in the short term, the centre said it was necessary to reduce fiscal pressure, curb inefficiencies, and channel resources into infrastructure and social investments.

The organisation also applauded the government’s foreign exchange unification policy, aimed at stabilising the currency, boosting investor confidence, and eliminating distortions caused by multiple exchange rates.

Ongoing tax reforms were highlighted for expanding revenue, simplifying compliance, and reducing reliance on borrowing to strengthen fiscal sustainability.

Infrastructure development, including roads, railways, energy expansion, and digital innovation, was also praised as part of a broader strategy to improve productivity and stimulate industrial growth.

Social investment programmes, such as student loans and targeted welfare interventions, were acknowledged for mitigating the effects of economic adjustments and improving access to opportunities for Nigerians.

On security, the centre commended enhanced collaboration with international partners, particularly the U.S., in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism, calling it vital for national stability and attracting foreign investment.

Ibhaze stressed that sustained reform implementation beyond the current administration could position Nigeria among top global economies like the UAE, China, and Singapore within two decades. He urged political parties to avoid politicising structural reforms, emphasizing that continuity, institutional strengthening, and bipartisan cooperation are key to achieving lasting national transformation.

The organisation concluded that while democratic debate is important, Nigeria must maintain reform momentum across political cycles to secure economic resilience, stability, and global competitiveness.

Tony Nwobodo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has challenged former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi over his performance during his eight-year tenure.

Speaking to journalists after visiting the Enugu South Local Government Chairman, Nwobodo said Amaechi lacks moral authority to advise the South-East on whom to support in the 2027 general elections. He urged residents not to let sentiment influence their votes against President Bola Tinubu.

“Let nobody sway you, even if it’s your own father. We must come together as a state and as a nation and give honour where it is due,” Nwobodo said.

Describing himself as a “multimillionaire” thanks to property gains under the current administration, Nwobodo warned that the South-East would make a strategic error by not supporting Tinubu’s second term.

“If we make this mistake, it will be like missing your exit on an expressway overseas; it will take a long time to get back. We must keep moving forward,” he said.

He also questioned Amaechi’s sudden interest in advising the region. “I overheard Amaechi saying what he would do if Tinubu wins again, but when he was Minister for eight years, what did he do for us? Why is he coming now to advise us?”

On the issue of increased taxation, Nwobodo, who lived abroad for over three decades, defended the levies, saying the visible infrastructure justifies them.

“Overseas, I paid taxes for 34 years. While we lived without paying tax, nothing was happening, and we complained. Now taxes are collected, and work is happening at the same time,” he noted.

The meeting, which started on Tuesday, is scheduled to continue at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, when the party leadership is expected to take a definitive position. Key attendees included BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), party stalwart Bode George, former Governor Babangida Aliyu, and acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, among others. Discussions were ongoing at the time of reporting.

The BoT emphasized that while the party remains open to reconciliation, any effort toward unity must not reduce the PDP to what it described as an appendage of the ruling party.

Wike-Backed Faction Insists On Convention

Meanwhile, the National Caretaker Working Committee of the PDP faction backed by Minister Nyesom Wike said it would proceed with preparations for its planned national convention, despite the ongoing legal dispute.

Addressing journalists in Abuja before Tuesday’s meeting, faction chairman Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed said the Court of Appeal had affirmed their group as the legitimate leadership of the party, ruling in their favor in nine related appeals.

“The National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only national leadership recognized by law and by the party,” Mohammed stated, adding that the committee is the only body authorized to field PDP candidates for the 2027 general elections.

He confirmed that the convention is scheduled for March 29–30 at the Velodrome in the National Stadium, Abuja, and called on all party factions to unite for the good of the PDP and Nigeria’s democracy. Mohammed also assured aspirants that the leadership crisis would not affect their chances to contest under the PDP platform.

PDP Governors and Party Resilience

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed concern over defections, noting that the PDP is now left with only two governors following Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal’s resignation. Despite this, he stressed that the party would continue to move forward, saying, “When the story of democracy in Nigeria is told, they will find us on the side of the people. This period will pass.”

Call for Reconciliation

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara described the BoT meeting as an opportunity to “begin again,” emphasizing the need to respect the law and find solutions. He urged members to keep an open mind to restore the party’s direction.

Makinde acknowledged the challenging times for PDP leaders and Nigerian democracy, noting the unprecedented nature of the current political landscape. He reassured that the remaining governors are undeterred and committed to keeping the party on track.