APC Convention: Tinubu, 32 Govs, 8,453 Delegates Gather In Abuja

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President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), 32 state governors, and thousands of party delegates are expected in Abuja for the All Progressives Congress National Convention scheduled to hold on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28.

In total, 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are anticipated at the gathering, where new national leaders of the ruling party are expected to emerge.

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who serves as co-chairman of the convention’s media sub-committee, said preparations had been concluded for the exercise.

According to him, the convention’s theme, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the party’s vision and direction.

He further noted that the convention would highlight the achievements of the current administration and strengthen the party’s internal structure.

He said, “The convention hopes to bring together delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for policy engagement, leadership elections, and a formal transition to a new set of party executives, presenting both decision-making platforms and also a moment of reflection, consolidation, and direction-setting for the next phase of our journey.”

“We are expecting a total of 8,453 delegates. These are the delegates that we are expecting to come from across the 36 states of the Federation to Abuja.”

“The forthcoming National Convention marks another milestone in our journey, reflecting both the continuity of our values and the renewal of our leadership.

“It offers an opportunity to highlight the party’s achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to show how his guiding vision is being transformed into tangible outcomes for Nigerians.”

Idris also emphasised that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains central to the government’s policy direction.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda remains central. It guides policy direction, national development, and engagement with Nigerians’ aspirations.

“The convention is, therefore, also an opportunity to deepen this agenda within our leadership and institutional structure, ensuring that the party and government remain aligned in purpose.”

He said committees responsible for organising the convention had completed their tasks.

“All arrangements have therefore been concluded for a smooth, transparent, and credible convention at the iconic Eagle Square here in Abuja.”

Meanwhile, the chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, said the party was fully prepared for the event and was unaware of any legal challenge against it.

He said, “We assure Nigerians and even those outside Nigeria that the APC is very ready for the 2026 convention, which will start in the early hours of tomorrow (today).”

Responding to questions regarding zoning disputes, Masari maintained that the party had allocated positions in line with federal character.

“Like I said, and I will repeat, APC is a responsible party in Nigeria. In line with federal character, all offices are zoned.”

He warned that individuals contesting positions not assigned to their zones could be attempting to disrupt the party’s structure.

“If you are contesting for an office that is not zoned to your zone, how can you say you are being democratic?”

Ahead of the convention, some party members had complained about being excluded from the contest.

One of them, Fubara Dagogo, filed a complaint at the Federal High Court in Abuja over his exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba despite paying N5.1 million for a nomination form.

However, Dagogo said he would first explore the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism rather than seek an injunction to halt the convention.

He said, “At the moment, I’m still exploring internal party mechanisms to resolve the issue. I believe the issue will be looked into and justice will take its course because the party’s internal mechanism is key to conflict resolution.”

Similarly, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, chairman of the APC National Convention Appeals Committee, expressed confidence that the convention would proceed smoothly.

“I don’t think we are envisaging any problem, but we always have to be prepared. These are processes and procedures for this kind of election.”