The 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has kicked off at the Eagle Square venue, Abuja, with the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The President arrived the venue at about 8:10 p.m., nearly three hours behind his scheduled time, according to the official programme.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas had earlier arrived and were seated ahead of the President’s entrance.
Earlier proceedings featured opening prayers delivered by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, who offered Christian and Muslim prayers respectively.
The convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” marks the fourth elective national convention of the APC since its formation in 2013 following the merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Friday’s convention is expected to fill key national offices, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairmen (North and South), National Secretary, and other NWC positions, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) mandating periodic party conventions.
INEC regulations require political parties to notify the commission ahead of conventions, conduct elections in accordance with their constitutions, and submit lists of elected officials within stipulated timelines, with non-compliance attracting sanctions, including possible non-recognition of party leadership.
The convention comes as the governing party seeks to consolidate its internal structures and strengthen its political base ahead of the 2027 general elections.
RELATED POST: APC Convention: 8,453 delegates converge in Abuja to elect new party leadership
Delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory began arriving at Eagle Square from 9:00 a.m., while governors, National Assembly leaders, and other stakeholders arrived later in the day.
The event is expected to feature goodwill messages from labour unions, youth and women groups, persons with disabilities, and market associations, underscoring the party’s inclusivity drive.
President Tinubu is scheduled to deliver a presidential address before the commencement of core convention activities, including the dissolution of existing party structures, election remarks, and the voting process.
Key government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, as well as heads of major government agencies, are expected to present brief remarks on policy reforms and programme delivery, while a special lecture is also billed.
Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Governor Aminu Bello Masari, is expected to deliver the opening remarks, while Governor Mai Mala Buni, Secretary of the committee, will outline the convention procedures.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who chairs the Election Subcommittee, is also expected to brief delegates on the electoral process.
The convention is projected to run late into the night and early Saturday morning, culminating in the announcement of results, acceptance speech by the newly elected National Chairman, and the formal close of proceedings.
