No fewer than 7,200 delegates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are expected to gather at Eagle Square for the party’s elective National Convention, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) will be chosen.
The convention will serve as a crucial platform for the party to ratify its leadership structure, validate outcomes from previous congresses, and make key decisions on its internal affairs. It is also expected that amendments to sections of the party’s constitution will be considered to reflect current realities and reinforce its position as Nigeria’s ruling party.
A similar convention was held at the same venue four years ago, during which members of the NWC were elected for a four-year term. At the time, Abdullahi Adamu emerged as National Chairman alongside 24 other members through a consensus arrangement.
However, internal changes soon followed. Adamu, along with other top officials including Iyiola Omisore and Ahmed El’Marzuk, resigned in July 2023, paving the way for new leadership.
Subsequently, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje became National Chairman, with Ajibola Surajudeen Basiru as National Secretary and Abdulkarim Kana as National Legal Adviser.
Ganduje later stepped down in June 2025 due to health concerns, a move some analysts viewed as strategic in easing internal tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Following Ganduje’s exit, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda was elected by consensus in July 2025 during a National Executive Committee meeting to complete the NWC’s tenure.
Despite initial skepticism about his leadership experience, Yilwatda has overseen a period of expansion for the party, with increased political support and defections from opposition figures across the country.
With the current NWC’s tenure nearing its end, preparations for the convention have intensified. In February 2026, the party inaugurated a 92-member National Convention Central Coordinating Committee chaired by Aminu Bello Masari.
Other key members include Anyim Pius Anyim as Vice Chairman I and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as Vice Chairman II, alongside several prominent political figures.
Masari expressed confidence in delivering a credible and transparent process, stating:
“The expectation of Nigerians, the people and the President is that we produce the best convention ever. We are also expected to establish a template for future APC conventions, and with the calibre of individuals on this committee, that expectation is almost assured,” he said.
He also assured that the committee would prioritise fairness, transparency, and unity within the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
As the convention approaches, all eyes are on the APC’s ability to conduct a smooth and credible exercise that will shape its leadership and direction ahead of the next general elections. With extensive preparations already underway, the outcome is expected to play a significant role in defining the party’s political strength and unity in the years ahead.
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