Abuja, Nigeria – Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Ajibola Basiru have been officially returned as National Chairman and National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s 8th elective National Convention held Friday in Abuja.
The convention, which saw all National Working Committee (NWC) members returned through consensus and affirmative voice votes, ushers in a new four-year leadership period for the party. Key figures sworn in include Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (South) Emma Eneukwu, National Financial Secretary Alhaji Bashir Gumel, and National Legal Adviser Murtala Kankia.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda emphasized unity, internal democracy, and youth empowerment, pledging:
“Our mission is clear. Together, we will build a Pan-African and Pan-Nigerian party that is stronger, transparent, inclusive, and united. We will ensure every member is heard and trusted, and the message of renewed hope reaches every community.”
The convention effectively brought parts of the capital to a standstill, with heavy police and military deployments restricting access to Eagle Square.
Several accredited journalists were initially barred from entry, with some threatened by security personnel. Those who gained access faced verbal hostility from delegates at temporary media shelters, highlighting tensions surrounding media coverage.
While most NWC positions were filled through consensus, contests remained for Deputy National Chairman (South)—between Emma Eneukwu and Ben Nwoye—and National Welfare Secretary between Ignatius Nwapa and Nduka Anyanwu.
Convention Chairman Aminu Masari described the gathering of 8,453 delegates as a “solemn assembly” and urged attendees to recognize the weight of their responsibility:
“You are not here merely to cast a vote. You are here to shape history.”
Representing the Federal Executive Council, Minister of Finance Wale Edun praised the APC’s bold economic reforms, noting growth has doubled from 2% to 4% per annum. He highlighted initiatives supporting farmers, small-scale industries, and partnerships with the World Bank to revitalize the power sector.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, 31 APC governors, lawmakers, and party stakeholders were in attendance as the ruling party showcased its unity and readiness to continue driving governance and national development.