Coronation Day: APC Crowns Serving NWC Members

Win more members, Tinubu tasks new working committee

By Ademu Idakwo and James Kwen, Abuja

Delegates from various state chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have started arriving at the venue of the party’s eighth elective national convention.

Our correspondents at the convention noticed a heavy presence of party stalwarts, members and supporters in their colorful party outfits.

Delegates from Kaduna, Imo, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Lagos, Kogi, Rivers, Plateau amongst other states were already seated at the Eagle Square convention venue.

The convention, with the theme: “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is expected to host no fewer than 8,453 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

Security was beefed up around the Three Arms Zone, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) conducting thorough screenings.

Major roads leading to the convention venue were manned by security personnel, with patrol vehicles stationed at intervals throughout the area.

While the personnel of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were conspicuous, delegates to the convention were also being subjected to thorough screening before being allowed access to the main venue.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, had earlier assured the public that all the 20 sub-committees had finalised arrangements to ensure a transparent and hitch-free elective process.

The convention was attended by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors as well as the leadership and members of the National Assembly who belong to the party.

LEADERSHIP Weekend’s correspondents who were at the venue also observed restriction of both human and vehicular movements, in line with the announcement made on Thursday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Wilson-Jack.

Wilson-Jack had, in a circular, directed all the federal workers whose offices are around the Eagle Square to work from home on Friday owing to the party’s national convention being held there.

The organisers of the national convention had described the exercise as very critical, as it is expected to produce new National Working Committee (NWC) members who will steer the party’s affairs for the next four years.

A total of 32 state governors and no fewer than 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to elect the new NWC members and non-NWC national officers.

Hon. Aminu Masari, chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordination Committee, had earlier assured of adequate security for all the participants at the convention.

Masari’s assurance comes amidst reports that some aggrieved members of the party had instituted court cases to stop the convention.

Masari, however, said that the party had not received any court notice, adding that as a law-abiding organisation, the APC would always abide by the law.

The former Katsina governor said it was unfortunate that some members did not understand the party’s zoning arrangements for its NWC positions.

He said that some members left the positions zoned to their geopolitical zones and paid for forms meant for other zones, which he said was why they were unable to access the nomination forms.

“We are not aware that anybody has gone to court. We have not been served. I am sure you know we are a responsible party. If we are served, we will take notice of that.

“APC is a responsible party in Nigeria. In line with federal character, all offices are zoned. If you come to buy our form, you are buying for the positions zoned to your zone,” Masari said.

LEADERSHIP Weekend can report that APC national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and some other members of the NWC and non-NWC national officers are expected to be returned with affirmative votes as they are unopposed.

The present crop of APC NWC members and non-NWC national officers were elected in late March 2022, hence their tenure expired yesterday.

While some are serving their complete four years, others joined after the election due to resignation of former holders of the respective offices that became vacant.

For instance, Yilwatda emerged APC national chairman in July last year after the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje who also succeeded Senator Abdullahi Adamu in August 2023, whereas, Basiru became national secretary in August 2023 after Senator Iyiola Omisore resigned.

Also, Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno), who was elected deputy national chairman (North), resigned when he was appointed the minister of agriculture by President Tinubu and Hon. Abubakar Dalori (Borno) succeeded him.

Salihu Lukman (Kaduna), national vice chairman (North-West), resigned in 2023 and Hon. Mohammed Datti (Kaduna) stepped him.

Similarly, Ahmed El-Marzuk (Katsina), national legal adviser resigned in 2023 and was succeeded by Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, SAN (Nasarawa).

Kana moved to the office of deputy national secretary when

Festus Fuanter (Plateau) resigned after the emergence of Yilwatda (Plateau) as chairman last year, while Muritala Aliyu Kankia, SAN (Katsina) became national legal adviser.

Some of the NWC members elected in 2022 who would be affirmed for another four year tenure include: deputy national chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu (Enugu); national vice chairman (North Central), Mu’azu Bawa Rijau (Niger); national vice chairman (North East), Dr Mustapha Salihu (Adamawa); national vice chairman (South South), Hon Victor Giadom (Rivers), national vice chairman (South West): D. I. Kekemeke (Ondo) and national welfare secretary,Hon. Ignatus Nwapa (Abia).

Others are national financial secretary, Bashir Usman Gumel (Jigawa); national organising secretary, Suleiman Argungun (Kebbi); national publicity secretary, Felix Morka (Delta); national youth leader: Abdullahi Dayo Israel (Lagos); special (persons with disability) leader, Tolu Bankole (Ogun); deputy national organising secretary, Nze Chidi Duru (Anambra); deputy national publicity secretary, Hon. Duro Meseko (Kogi) and deputy national women leader Hon. Zainab Ibrahim (Taraba).

Two notable new aspirants for NWC positions are: Hon. Ben Nwoye (Enugu), Deputy National Chairman (South) and Hon. Nduka Anyawu (Abia), national welfare secretary.

…Win more members, Tinubu tasks new working committee

President Bola Tinubu has said the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress(APC) must send a clear message to Nigerians and the world that the party is strong, united, focused, and ready for the future.

Speaking at the event held at Eagle Square Abuja, on Friday night, Tinubu reminded APC members that the party is not merely a vehicle specially built to carry ambitious politicians to electoral victories.

“As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition—one that can challenge, question,n and help refine policies. That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved. That is how nations advance” the president said.

He said while the party and his government welcomed criticism, the constant attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 are a disservice to the Nigerian people.

“It is public knowledge that the processes leading to the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act passed through the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings. The Electoral Act was passed by the National Assembly, elected by the Nigerian people in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.

“The Act reflects our collective quest as a nation to strengthen our electoral system and consolidate democratic rule. Therefore, our commitment is to uphold the rule of law, conduct credible elections and protect the integrity of our elections, and continue building a stronger, secure, and united nation,” he said.

The President urged those who would be elected to continue to win more converts into the party as had been done in the last two years, when an unprecedented number of new members, governors, senators, representatives, old and current, joined APC from other political parties.

“To all those who will be elected today: carry this trust with humility, fairness, and unwavering commitment to our party’s ideals. The future of APC, and Nigeria’s democracy, depends on your leadership. Lead with courage, lead with integrity, and lead with vision.

“May your leadership inspire confidence, strengthen unity, and deliver progress worthy of the faith our members have placed in you.

“May you continue to win more converts into the party as we have done in the last two years, when an unprecedented number of new members, governors, senators, representatives, old and current, join our party from other political parties.

“This growth demonstrates the strength of our beliefs and Nigerians’ trust in our Party. My charge to you is to sustain this expansive political structure through credible leadership and transparent party management, anchored in a reliable, verifiable database of our members nationwide.”

…Concerns Over Parallel Excos, Mode of Primaries for 2027 Polls

Meanwhile, as delegates gather for the party’s national convention, there are concerns over how candidates for elective offices will emerge ahead of the 2027 elections.

Though the convention is expected to produce national officers, focus within the party has increasingly moved to the more consequential contest, the primaries expected between April and May for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly tickets, in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

The convention carries significant political weight as those who emerge will not only manage the party’s day-to-day affairs but will also oversee the primaries, a process already generating anxiety and intense interest across party ranks.

At the centre of the convention is the national chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, whose position appears firm heading into the exercise.

Within party circles, his expected emergence is widely seen as a product of political alignment, including backing from the presidency, understanding among key blocs, and a preference for continuity at a sensitive political moment.

Supporters argue that his leadership has stabilised the party and attracted new entrants. Critics, however, contend that the absence of a strong contest reflects deeper internal arrangements that leave little room for genuine competition.

Even as delegates gather, the real source of tension lies beyond the convention, in how candidates will emerge for elective offices.

The debate over the mode of primaries, whether through consensus, direct primaries, or the delegate system, has become a major point of friction.

While the law allows consensus where all aspirants agree, many party members remain uneasy about its increasing use.

For them, the concern is that consensus could be used to sideline aspirants and concentrate decision-making in the hands of a few influential figures.

This uncertainty is already reshaping political behaviour, with many aspirants shifting focus from grassroots mobilisation to consultations and behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Adding to the tension are reports that some recent defectors to the APC may be rewarded with automatic tickets, a possibility that has unsettled long-standing members.

There are also indications that first-term officeholders may be guaranteed return tickets, further narrowing the space for fresh contenders.

Taken together, these developments have created a growing perception among aspirants that the path to securing party tickets is becoming increasingly restricted and, in some cases, predetermined. The strain is also beginning to play out in the courts.

One of the clearest signs is a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, an aspirant for the position of national vice chairman (South-South) and director-general of the APC States Assembly Forum (ASAF).

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2026, Dagogo is challenginggggggg what he describes as his exclusion from the March 27–28 national convention, despite having paid N5.1 million for nomination forms and fulfilled all stipulated requirements.

He is asking the court to halt both the national convention and the South-South zonal congress, and to award him N100 million in damages.

Those named in the suit include the APC, National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom, and National Organising Secretary Suleiman Mohammed Argungu.

Although party officials insist due process is being followed, the development reflects a familiar pre-primary pattern in which internal grievances escalate into legal battles, with the potential to disrupt party processes if not carefully managed.

Speaking ahead of the convention, chairman of the APC Convention Central Coordination Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, dismissed complaints by some aspirants over the alleged denial of nomination forms, describing them as attempts to destabilise the party.

Masari said the party strictly adhered to zoning arrangements in the sale of forms.

“APC is a responsible Nigerian party. In line with federal character, all offices are zoned,” he said.

He equally assured members of a smooth and credible exercise. Party officials have echoed similar confidence, projecting unity and readiness for the event.

“People who came to buy forms for positions zoned to their areas were sold forms. But when a position is zoned to a particular area, and someone from another zone insists on contesting, it raises questions.”

He added that such actions could create confusion and would not be tolerated by the party leadership.

At the national level, however, the APC appears relatively settled.

President Tinubu remains central to the party’s political calculations, with expectations of a second-term bid facing little or no internal resistance. Vice President Kashim Shettima has also described opposition parties as fragmented and lacking cohesion, insisting that the APC remains the most organised political force in the country despite its internal debates.

For the ruling party, today’s convention is more than a leadership exercise; it is an early test of its ability to manage competing interests without triggering deeper divisions.

Across several states, however, early signs of strain are emerging.

In Kogi State, some aggrieved aspirants are quietly exploring alternative platforms, including the Social Democratic Party, amid fears of being edged out.

A House of Representatives aspirant for Idah, Ibaji, Igalamela-Odolu and Ofu Federal Constituency in Kogi State on the platform of the APC, Onuche Victor Alor, has called on the party to adopt direct primaries as the mode for selecting its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Alor made the appeal in an interview with LEADERSHIP in Abuja, stressing that as the elections approach, it is important for the party to embrace a transparent and inclusive process that reflects the will of its members.

He noted that while both direct primaries and consensus arrangements are recognised under the Electoral Act, the APC should set the pace by adopting a system that allows broader participation, especially at the grassroots level.

According to him, adopting direct primaries would enhance transparency and give party members a stronger sense of belonging in the candidate selection process, while also improving the likelihood of presenting candidates capable of winning elections.

“I am appealing to our party to take the option of direct primaries rather than consensus. While consensus is recognised, it may not always reflect the true popularity of aspirants among party members,” he said.

Also in Benue State, there are indications that some APC figures aligned with George Akume are weighing a possible shift to the Peoples Democratic Party, despite the opposition party’s own internal challenges.

The situation is similar in Delta State, where the party is divided into two factions.

One faction is aligned with the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, while the other, led by Chief Alex Ekpezu, includes key political figures such as former governor James Ibori and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.

The group, which claims to be the party’s original members in the state, has locked horns with newer members who defected alongside the governor, further deepening internal divisions.