The stage is set for the 8th National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as 8,453 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) gather at Eagle Square, Abuja, to elect new party leaders.
Delegates from the diaspora are also expected to participate in the two-day event for the first time, marking a significant expansion in the party’s engagement.
The Co-Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee for the convention and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed the figure during a world press conference held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. He described the convention as a major milestone for leadership elections, policy engagement, and strategic direction-setting for the party’s next phase.
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The gathering will produce a new 25-member National Working Committee (NWC), alongside five non-NWC members and six national ex officio members representing the country’s six geopolitical zones.
In line with Article 11, Section 12.4 of the APC Constitution (March 2022, as amended), the NWC includes key positions such as National Chairman, National Secretary, Deputy National Chairmen (North and South), and other principal officers responsible for party administration and coordination.
Idris noted that the convention, themed “Unity in Progress – Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is not merely procedural but a platform for reflection, consolidation, and planning. He said it underscores the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic values, internal governance, and alignment with national development priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He added that since its formation, the APC has remained a vehicle for progressive ideals, national cohesion, and purposeful leadership, with its resilience across electoral cycles reinforcing its position as a dominant political force.
The minister assured that all arrangements have been finalised to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible convention, with subcommittees completing operational frameworks to guarantee efficiency and coordination. He further assured Nigerians and the international community that the process would meet established democratic standards.
“As the convention approaches, the APC reaffirms its unity and collective responsibility. This gathering will showcase our commitment to democratic ideals, organizational discipline, and inclusive decision-making,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Central Coordinating Committee and former Kastina State governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari expressed confidence in the level of preparation by the various committees, assuring party members of a hitch-free convention.
He noted that the planning structures were fully in place to ensure seamless coordination and execution of all activities.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives dismissed allegations that the party denied interested members nomination forms to contest any of the national offices.
The Minister of Information then expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and for his pivotal role in founding and growing the APC.
He commended the President’s leadership in fostering inclusivity within the party and in steering the nation with visionary, progressive policies aimed at strengthening governance and national development.
“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more united Nigeria, where governance is driven by accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear vision for progress,” Idris added.
To ensure a seamless convention, civil servants whose offices are near Eagle Square should work from home instead of going to the office.
A circular to that effect was issued by by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, signed by Dr. Abdul S. U. Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office directed that “All Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, Agencies and Offices located within the Federal Secretariat, Phases I, II & III are hereby informed of the closure of all access roads leading to and around the said Federal Secretariat Complex, from Friday, 27th to Saturday, 28th March, 2026.
“This is due to the use of Eagle Square for the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party on the said dates.
“Accordingly, all personnel whose offices are located within Phases I, II, and III of the Federal Secretariat Complex, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are to work from home on Friday, 27th March, 2026.”
Those in attendance were, the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Kyamo; Pius Ayim, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare; Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga; and other top party dignitaries.
Meanwhile, workers were seen working around the clock for the facelift and decoration of Eagle Square, the venue of the convention, while most roads leading to the venue are decorated with billboards welcoming delegates to the convention.
Investigation by our correspondent also showed that most hotels within the city center and some suburbs of Guazape, Jabi, Gwarinpa, Apo, Kubwa, Asokoro, and Lugbe have been fully booked by state chapters of the party for their delegates. Security agents were also visible at strategic areas of the FCT to ensure a hitch-free convention.
