ABUJA/Nigeria: In a strong display of internal cohesion and political dominance, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has returned Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Senator Ajibola Basiru as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, at its 8th elective National Convention held in Abuja, reinforcing the ruling party’s consolidation strategy ahead of future electoral contests.
The convention, driven largely by consensus and affirmed through voice vote, saw the re-election of the entire National Working Committee (NWC), a move party insiders say signals a deliberate effort to maintain stability and avoid internal fractures within the APC’s leadership structure.
The newly returned leadership is expected to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years, with key figures including Ali Dalori as Deputy National Chairman (North), Emma Eneukwu as Deputy National Chairman (South), Bashir Gumel as National Financial Secretary, and Murtala Kankia as National Legal Adviser.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda struck a unifying tone, pledging to deepen internal democracy, strengthen party structures, and expand the reach of the APC across all strata of Nigerian society.
“Our mission is clear: to build a party that is stronger, more transparent, inclusive, disciplined, and united than ever. We will ensure every member is heard and every structure earns the trust of the people,” he said, while aligning the party’s vision with the broader governance agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The high-profile gathering at Eagle Square attracted the full weight of the party’s political machinery, with President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, governors, ministers, lawmakers, and over 8,000 delegates in attendance.
Beyond the routine exercise of electing party officials, the convention served as a strategic platform for reaffirming party unity and projecting strength, particularly as the APC positions itself for the 2027 general elections.
Chairman of the Convention’s Central Coordinating Committee, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, underscored the significance of the moment, describing the gathering as a historic responsibility entrusted to delegates.
“This is not a routine political exercise. You are here to shape history and define the future direction of both the party and the nation,” Masari declared, urging delegates to act with a sense of duty and national consciousness.
Political observers note that the consensus-driven outcome reflects a carefully managed power balance within the party, aimed at preventing divisive contests while consolidating the influence of key stakeholders.
However, the exercise also highlighted the APC’s growing political reach, with party leaders pointing to its expanding control across states and institutions as a sign of sustained dominance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
With the reconstitution of its leadership, the APC appears set to focus on internal consolidation, governance support, and strategic expansion, as it seeks to translate its organisational strength into electoral advantage in the coming years.
The convention, ultimately, was not just about leadership renewal, but a calculated demonstration of unity, control, and readiness by Africa’s largest ruling party to retain its grip on power.
