The 2026 national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to commence shortly.
This two-day event, themed "Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda," takes place at Eagle Square in Abuja today and continues into Saturday.
Leading up to the 2027 general election, this convention marks the fourth gathering organized by the party since its inception in 2013, following a merger of several opposition parties. The now-defunct parties included the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and part of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Previous conventions occurred in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
According to the Media Sub-Committee for the convention, a total of 8,453 delegates from the 36 states and Abuja are expected to participate.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and various officials from the federal government will join the delegates.
In a notable development, delegates from the diaspora are also attending for the first time, indicating a significant advancement for the party.
Mohammed Idris, chair of the subcommittee and information minister, expressed that the large turnout of accredited delegates showcases the inclusiveness and organizational strength of the party.
A pivotal aspect of this convention is the election for a new 25-member National Working Committee (NWC), alongside five other non-NWC members and six national ex-officio representatives from each of the six geopolitical zones, as stipulated in Article 11 Section 12.4 of the party’s constitution. The candidates were vetted by a committee on Tuesday.
Current officeholders elected during the 2022 convention are aiming for re- election. However, National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, who also seek to maintain their positions, were appointed during a transitional phase following the prior officeholders' resignation.
Aminu Masari, chair of the Central Coordinating Committee, affirmed that the party is fully prepared for the upcoming convention, noting that all sub- committees have completed their tasks.
"The central coordinating committee began its efforts about three weeks ago, compiling 25 subcommittees to cover various aspects of preparation for the event. We are pleased with the outcomes so far and assure Nigerians and the international community that APC is ready for the 2026 convention, commencing early tomorrow (Friday)," Masari, a former governor of Katsina State, stated.
Premium Times will provide live updates from the convention which can also be followed through the publication's Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts.
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