KatsinaTimes | March 24, 2026
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has finalised arrangements for its national convention scheduled to hold on Saturday at the Eagle Square, Abuja, with no fewer than 7,200 delegates expected from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside the Chairman of the 2026 National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, assured members that the exercise would be hitch-free.
Speaking at an environmental sanitation programme tagged “A Walk for Cleaner and Safe Environment” organised by the convention sub-committee, Yilwatda, represented by the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, said the party was fully prepared for the event.
“We are prepared and look forward to Saturday when the convention will be held. We are not only organising a convention but also preparing for our primaries,” he said, adding that any challenges encountered would be surmounted.
Masari also expressed confidence in the level of preparedness, noting that while minor challenges may arise, they would not affect the smooth conduct of the convention.
“We are ready. The event will go on as planned,” he said.
The Vice Chairman of the Environment and Sanitation Sub-committee and former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, said the party had demonstrated the capacity to organise a peaceful and successful convention. He added that the APC was repositioning itself ahead of future electoral contests.
Similarly, the Secretary of the sub-committee, Senator Uche Ekwunife, stated that the party was not only prepared for the convention but also for the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism about retaining power at the federal level.
Also, Deputy Chairman of the Convention Central Committee and former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, assured that the committee would surpass public expectations in delivering a successful exercise.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said ongoing reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would yield positive results, urging Nigerians to remain patient.
He noted that the convention provides an opportunity for the party to present its achievements and engage citizens ahead of the next general elections.
Screening Committee Promises Transparency
Ahead of the convention, the Chairman of the Aspirants Screening Committee and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, pledged a transparent and fair screening process for aspirants contesting national offices.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, Oyebanji said the exercise would be guided strictly by the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
“We will be transparent, fair and just to all aspirants. There will be no bias,” he said.
The committee’s Deputy Secretary, Philip Shaibu, disclosed that about 30 aspirants would be screened, with the exercise structured to ensure efficiency within the limited timeframe.
Co-Chairman of the committee and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, described the screening as a critical test of the party’s internal democracy, noting that its outcome would shape the future of the APC.
Tinubu’s Re-election ‘Certain’ — Kalu
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027.
Kalu, who spoke while receiving members of the Abia State chapter of the City Boy Movement, said the administration’s achievements and youth inclusion strategy would guarantee victory.
He described Tinubu as a youth-friendly leader committed to grooming future leaders, adding that ongoing initiatives and reforms would strengthen public support ahead of the next election.
Kalu also noted that his Renewed Hope Partners platform would continue to mobilise grassroots support and promote the administration’s achievements nationwide.
