March 28, (THEWILL) —
The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday night, projected a strong image of cohesion and strategic alignment, returning Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman, and Senator Surajudeen Basiru as National Secretary at its 4th Elective National Convention held at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The emergence of the duo, alongside other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), followed a consensus-driven process endorsed by party stakeholders, reinforcing the APC’s commitment to internal stability and consolidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The newly elected NWC features a blend of continuity and regional balance. They include Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Abubakar Dalori (Borno), and Deputy National Chairman (South), Dr Ben Nwoye (Enugu).
Others are Deputy National Secretary, Prof. Abdulkarim Kana (Nasarawa); National Vice-Chairman (North-Central), Mu’azu Rijau (Niger); National Vice-Chairman (North-East), Dr Mustapha Salihu (Adamawa); and National Vice-Chairman (North-West), Hon. Mohammed Datti (Kaduna).
Also elected are National Vice-Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu (Imo); National Vice-Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Tom Giadom (Rivers); and National Vice-Chairman (South-West), Isaac Kekemeke (Ondo).
Other key officials include National Legal Adviser, Muritala Kankia (Katsina); National Treasurer, Uguru Ofoke (Ebonyi); National Financial Secretary (Jigawa); and National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungun (Kebbi), all of whom secured fresh mandates.
However, notable absentees from the new leadership team include former Deputy National Chairman (South), Hon. Emma Eneukwu; Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru; and former National Financial Secretary, Hon. Bashir Gumel, underscoring subtle shifts within the party’s internal power dynamics.
THEWILL gathered that the NWC members were elected through affirmative votes by over 8,453 delegates drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in line with the party’s constitution. They are expected to steer the affairs of the ruling party for the next four years.
In addition, deputy national officers, six national ex-officio members, and zonal officers earlier elected during the March 18 zonal congresses were formally inaugurated at the convention.
The convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda”, was organised by a high-powered committee co-chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim. It attracted top figures in Nigeria’s political hierarchy, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
In his keynote address, President Tinubu called for deeper unity within the APC, describing the gathering as a defining moment for both the party and Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He urged members to remain committed to advancing the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, stressing that internal cohesion is vital to sustaining governance reforms and national development.
Reflecting on the party’s formation in 2013, the President noted that its founding leaders set aside personal and ideological differences to build a formidable political platform. He charged current stakeholders to preserve that legacy by prioritising collective interests over individual ambition.
Tinubu also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari and other party stalwarts, urging members to honour their sacrifices by strengthening internal democracy and resisting divisive tendencies.
Reaffirming the APC’s broader vision, he stated that the party was conceived not merely as a vehicle for political power, but as a platform for national transformation—focused on strengthening institutions, deepening governance, and expanding economic opportunities.
The President dismissed claims that the APC seeks to dominate Nigeria’s political space, arguing that a healthy democracy depends on credible opposition capable of enriching policy debates and holding the government accountable.
Defending the Electoral Act 2026, Tinubu described criticisms from opposition parties as unfounded, insisting that the legislation followed due legislative processes and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to credible elections.
On the economy, he pointed to ongoing infrastructure development, fiscal reforms, and improving investor confidence as indicators of progress. He also cited relative stability in the foreign exchange market, improvements in trade balance, and increased activity in the oil and gas sector, alongside signs of easing inflationary pressure despite global economic challenges.
Addressing power sector concerns, Tinubu outlined plans to tackle electricity constraints through targeted reforms, including the proposed establishment of a Grid Asset Management Company to enhance efficiency and reliability.
He further emphasised inclusivity, pledging greater participation of youths and women in governance and party structures, while encouraging broader citizen engagement in nation-building.
The President urged party members to maintain discipline, unity, and mutual respect, warning against actions capable of undermining the party’s stability.
Commending the convention’s organisers and APC governors for ensuring a smooth process, Tinubu charged the newly elected officials to lead with integrity, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility.
He also called on party leaders to sustain the APC’s expansion and consolidate its growing support base, noting that recent defections from opposition parties signal increasing public confidence in the ruling party’s direction.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
