March 29, (THEWILL) — Besides the speeches, sights and sound effects of the National Convention of the governing All Progressives Congress held at Eagles Square in Abuja, on Friday, March 26 and Saturday 27, 2026, a striking feature that emerged at the event has been described by sources as a significant shift in the party’s presidential plan for 2027.
It is about Vice President Kashim Shettima. He was decked in a red version of the “infinity” cap brand of President Bola Tinubu. This is the first time the VP would be donning the cap in the almost three years of the current administration. For a man who has been consistent with the Zanna cap, a traditional Kanuri attire from his Borno State, this appearance at the convention was not only a significant shift; it was also a symbolic message of great proportion.
Party sources say the change in outfit is a significant statement on the controversy surrounding his replacement as President Tinubu’s running mate in 2027.
Fuelled by two political incidents that took place in 2025 in the North-East geo-political zone when stakeholders of the region endorsed Tinubu in Gombe without including the Vice President and when Shettima’s image was omitted from a poster during a major party event in Maiduguri, Borno State, the debate heated up the polity and almost split the party down the middle until its scribe, Felix Morka had to call members to order in a threatening statement in the wake of the warning by Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, that the APC could be putting its 2027 electoral chances at risk if it drops Shettima from Tinubu’s re-election ticket. Recent developments have since changed that political perception as the VP took his fate in his own hands.
Undaunted by the swirling controversy, the VP set to work. And the result of his efforts is seen in the transformation of the North-East into an “APC territory,” among many others. The only minus is Bauchi State, whose governor Bala Mohammed, almost caved in to the intense lobby from the VP’s group and defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC, THEWILL gathered.
Sources say that pressures from stakeholders calling for the warring factions of the PDP to sink their differences and save the once dominant and major opposition political party from ignominy had influenced the decision of the governor to defect and explore other options like alliances with similar parties.
The VP’s effort is said to have warmed erstwhile doubting stakeholders to him, resting any doubt about his suitability for the job. The new “infinity cap,” is therefore a makeover for the Vice President, the source said.
HARSH TREATMENT OF JOURNALISTS
Contrasting this political development surrounding the VP was the way journalists were treated by the media sub-committee of the convention planning committee. The shabby treatment meted to journalists who crowded the Transcorp Hilton venue of accreditation kept many reporters guessing what could have been amiss in the relationship between the party and reporters as officials brooked no questions. At some point journalists could not get their tags, despite completing accreditation well ahead of the convention date.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic as members of the accreditation team and journalists engaged in a heated exchange of words, with some accusing officials of selectively issuing tags while others were ignored. Security personnel had to be deployed to manage the situation.
A national newspaper reported that major access roads leading to Eagle Square, venue of the event, were cordoned off by security personnel, thus effectively restricting movement and leaving many accredited media practitioners stranded and forced to trek long distances to access the entrance of the venue.
It said, “Despite possessing valid tags, several reporters were turned back at various checkpoints, with some security personnel threatening to open fire on journalists who attempted to defy the orders to move away. The situation took a desperate turn as many journalists who eventually gained entrance, sought temporary shelter at the Nasarawa State Pavilion. However, the respite was short-lived as they were verbally assaulted by some hostile party delegates who eventually chased them away from the area.”
The sour experience left many wondering what experience lay ahead for reporters going forward.
Efforts to get a reaction from the National Publicity Secretary of the APC failed as he would not answer phone calls.
CONVENTION AS A SHOWCASE
Nonetheless, the fourth elective national convention of the party reinforced its image as a cohesive political force, returning Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman and Surajudeen Basiru as National Secretary. In total, the 30- member NWC was elected through the agreed consensus option to promote unity.
Over 8,453 delegates from across Nigeria participated in the two-day event through affirmative votes. For the contested Deputy National Chairman, South position, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the incumbent, squared off with Hon. Ben Nwoye, while the race for National Welfare Secretary featured the incumbent Hon. Ignatius Nwapa against Hon. Nduka Anyanwu. Nwoye and Nwapa won. Apart from Eneukwu, two other former members of the NWC failed in their bid to return. They are Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru and the National Financial Secretary, Hon. Bashir Gumel.
The emergence of the Yilwatda and Basiru, alongside other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), followed a consensus-based process endorsed by party stakeholders, underscoring the APC’s commitment to internal harmony and strategic consolidation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda”, the Convention, which was organised by a committee led by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, attracted key figures in Nigeria’s political leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, 31 APC governors, ministers, lawmakers and delegates.
In his keynote address, President Tinubu, flanked by VP Shettima, called for deeper unity within the ruling party, describing the gathering as a defining moment for both the APC and Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He urged members to remain steadfast in advancing the administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, stressing that cohesion within the party remains critical to sustaining governance reforms and national development.Reflecting on the party’s formation in 2013, Tinubu noted that its founding leaders set aside differences to build a formidable political platform committed to rescuing Nigeria from economic decline and institutional fragility. He charged current stakeholders to preserve that legacy by placing the collective interest above personal ambition.
The President paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari and other party stalwarts, urging members to honour their sacrifices by strengthening internal democracy and avoiding divisive tendencies.
Reiterating the APC’s broader vision, Tinubu said the party was established not merely as a vehicle for political ambition, but as a platform for national transformation to deepen governance, strengthen institutions, and expand economic opportunities.
He dismissed claims that the ruling party seeks to dominate Nigeria’s political space, noting that a vibrant democracy thrives on credible opposition capable of holding government accountable and enriching policy debates.
Defending the Electoral Act 2026, the President described criticisms from opposition parties as misplaced, insisting that the legislation followed due legislative processes and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to credible elections.
On the economy, Tinubu highlighted ongoing infrastructure development, fiscal reforms and renewed investor confidence as signs of progress. He pointed to improvements in foreign exchange stability, trade balance and activity in the oil and gas sector, alongside easing inflationary pressures despite global economic headwinds.
Acknowledging challenges in the power sector, the President outlined plans to address electricity constraints through targeted reforms, including the proposed establishment of a Grid Asset Management Company to improve efficiency and reliability.
He also underscored the importance of inclusivity, pledging increased participation of youths and women in governance and party structures, while encouraging broader engagement in nation-building.
Tinubu further urged party members to conduct themselves with discipline and mutual respect, warning against actions capable of undermining party unity. He commended the convention’s organising committee and APC governors for ensuring a smooth process and charged the newly elected officials to lead with integrity, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility.
The President urged party leaders to sustain the APC’s expansion and consolidate its growing support base, noting that recent defections from other political parties reflect increasing public confidence in the ruling party’s direction.
In his opening remarks, Masari said that the convention was more than a mere political routine and called on delegates to recognise and weigh carefully their duty in selecting the next crop of party leaders. “This convention is not a routine jugglery; it is a solemn assembly, a historic moment, and a powerful reminder of the strength of our democracy,” Masari said, adding: “You are not here merely to cast votes. You are here to shape history. Leadership is not about privilege; it is about service. It is not about titles; it is about trust. It is not about power; it is about unity.”
Yilwatda, in his acceptance speech, said, “Our mission is clear. That together, we will build a Pan-African and Pan-Nigerian party that is stronger, transparent, inclusive, and more disciplined and united than ever. “We will deepen internal democracy. So that every member is heard, we will strengthen our structures so that every person will trusts it. “We will expand the reach, so that the message of renewed hope is heard in every community. “We will empower our youth because they are not just the future, but they are the huge and important part of our today.”
OTHER ELECTED MEMBERS
Other elected members of the NWC include Deputy National Chairman, North, Alli Bukar Dalori; Deputy National Chairman, South, Dr Benjamin Obi Nwoye; Deputy National Secretary, Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana; National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankia; National Treasurer, Ambassador Haruna Ginsau; National Organising Secretary, Muhammad Sulaiman Argungun; National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Eyinnah Nwakpa; National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka; National Auditor; Senator Abubakar Maikafi; National Woman Leader, Dr. Mary Idele; National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; National Leader (Persons with Disabilities) Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole; Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hamman Adamu Ali Kumo; Deputy National Organising Secretary, Barrister Emeka Okafor. Also, elected were Deputy National Leader, Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Meseko Durosimi Josiah; Deputy National Welfare Secretary. Dr. Christopher Michael Akpan; Deputy National Auditor, Mr Olugbenga Olayemi; Deputy National Legal Adviser Barrister Ibrahim Salawu; Deputy National Treasurer, Engr. Benjamin Akak; Deputy National Youth Leader, Jamaludeen Kabiru; National Ex-Officio (North Central), Dr. Pawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi; National Ex-Offico (North East), Adamu Jallah; National Ex-Officio (North West) Muhammaed Jamu Yusuf; National Ex-Officio, (South East), Ikechukwu Umeh; Natonal Ex-Officio, (South South, Mr. Francis Kolokolo and National Ex-Officio, (South West) Hon. Bunmi Orinowo.
In an overall assessment of the convention as an indication of what to expect at the upcoming primary for the executive and legislative positions in the party, Dr. Biodun Ajiboye, a member of the presidential campaign committee in 2023, on Saturday, said, the seamless execution of the convention has shown the way forward.
“Quite frankly, the cardinal principle as enshrined in the consensus arrangement is that you do not change a winning team. That is democracy in action. Any candidate that is able to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda will sail through,” he said. Dr Ajoboye is currently the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation.
Amos Esele is the Editor of THEWILL Newspaper. He has over two decades of experience on the job.
