Information Minister Mohammed Idris Denies Saying APC Will Control 30 States by 2030

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has denied reports claiming he predicted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would govern 30 states in Nigeria by 2030, leaving only six states for opposition parties.

In a statement on Sunday, Idris clarified that he never made such a remark, explaining that the statement originated from the APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda Nentawe, and not from him.

The minister’s clarification follows media reports alleging he made the claim during the Progressives Governors’ Summit for Commissioners of Information from APC-controlled states, held in Maiduguri, Borno State, last week.

According to Idris, as the official spokesperson of the Federal Government, he could not have made a partisan declaration of that nature.

During his address at the summit, the minister had instead urged the state information commissioners to recognise their critical role in effective information management, particularly at a time when disinformation was being weaponised against the country.

“Distinguished commissioners of information, colleagues in national service, I want to recognise your pivotal role in information management and dissemination,” Idris said.
“In an era where information is both a tool of development and a weapon of conflict, you are the architects of public understanding and the first line of defence for our nation’s integrity.”

He warned of “a coordinated disinformation campaign” aimed at misrepresenting Nigeria as a “genocide destination,” describing it as a malicious attempt to incite panic, divide the country, and damage its international reputation.

“Our first strategic imperative is to disarm and dislodge this corrosive narrative,” he said. “Our messaging must be proactive, grounded in verifiable facts, and focused on the reality of our ongoing efforts toward security, stability, and national cohesion.”

Idris also revealed that President Bola Tinubu will soon unveil the National Values Charter, a flagship initiative of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) designed to promote patriotism, unity, and national reorientation.

“The National Values Charter will be the most potent counter-narrative to negative foreign mischaracterisation of Nigeria. It defines who we are — a people committed to unity in diversity, resilience, and mutual respect,” he said.

Highlighting the Tinubu administration’s achievements, Idris said the government had made significant progress in economic reforms, infrastructure, education, and agriculture under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He cited key milestones such as:

• The removal of fuel subsidy and naira floatation.
• Over 600,000 students benefiting from the new student loan scheme.
• The creation of a Federal Ministry of Regional Development and a Ministry of Livestock Development.
• Growth of the nation’s external reserves above $42 billion — the highest in six years.
• A 4.23% GDP growth rate in Q2 2025.
• The Bank of Agriculture’s capital base increased to ₦1.5 trillion to boost food production.
• Record 5,801 megawatts of power generation achieved in March 2025.

“President Tinubu’s vision is to take Nigeria into the trillion-dollar economic club,” Idris said. “Our fiscal and monetary reforms have strengthened the economy, settled key debts, and positioned the nation for inclusive growth.”

He concluded by urging information commissioners to project these achievements and “tell the Nigerian story boldly and truthfully.”

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