APC showdown: 7,200 delegates storm Abuja

About 7,200 delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will gather at Eagle Square for the party’s National Convention.

he event will be used to elect new members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s top leadership body.

The convention will also allow the party to confirm its leadership structure, approve results from earlier congresses, and take key decisions about its internal affairs. Some parts of the party’s constitution may also be reviewed and updated.

A similar convention was held four years ago at the same venue, where members of the NWC were elected for a four-year term.

In 2022, former Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Adamu, became the party’s National Chairman through a consensus arrangement. However, he and some other top officials resigned in July 2023.

After that, former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, became National Chairman in August 2023, along with other key officials. Ganduje later stepped down in June 2025 due to health reasons.

He was replaced by Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who was elected by consensus to complete the tenure of the leadership team.

Despite early doubts about his experience, he has helped strengthen the party and attract new members from opposition groups.

As the tenure of the current NWC is coming to an end, Yilwatda set up a 92-member committee in February 2026 to organise the convention. The committee is led by former Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari.

Other key members include:

Anyim Pius Anyim

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Mai Mala Buni

Hope Uzodimma

The committee has promised to ensure a smooth, fair, and transparent convention.

Contest for Positions

Many party members are preparing to contest for positions in the NWC. Some current members want to remain in office, while others are aiming for higher roles such as governorship or legislative seats.

Although the party has maintained its zoning system to ensure balance across regions, state governors still have strong influence over who gets elected. Many party leaders are already aligning with their governors to improve their chances.

Role of Governors and the President

State governors, under the Progressive Governors’ Forum led by Hope Uzodimma, are seen as very powerful in determining the outcome because they control many delegates.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remained neutral so far and allowed party processes to run smoothly. His main focus is to keep the party united ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Constitution Amendment

The convention will also include the approval of proposed changes to the party’s constitution. These changes were gathered from consultations across the country and will be presented for final approval.

Final Outlook

The APC convention is seen as a major test for the party’s unity and future. With over 7,000 delegates expected in Abuja, top political figures will decide the party’s leadership and direction ahead of the 2027 elections.