APC Returns Prof. Yilwatda, Basiru as Nat’l Chairman, Secretary at Consensus-Driven Convention

By Emmanuel Kwada 

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully concluded its 8th National Convention (and fourth elective convention) at Eagle Square in Abuja, returning Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as National Chairman and Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary through a smooth consensus arrangement.

The convention, held on Friday, March 27, 2026, saw over 8,453 delegates from across the country ratify the election of a new National Working Committee (NWC) via affirmative voice vote. The newly elected officials were immediately sworn in to steer the party’s affairs for the next four years.

Full List of Newly Elected APC National Working Committee (NWC) Members

Source: APC

The process largely adopted consensus, with only a few positions initially marked for potential contest before being resolved amicably. This approach helped maintain party unity and avoided divisive open elections.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima led a powerful array of party leaders at the event. Also present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, 31 APC governors, ministers, lawmakers, and thousands of delegates.

The convention, however, brought Abuja to a near standstill. Heavy deployments of police and soldiers cordoned off major roads leading to Eagle Square, causing severe traffic disruptions.

Several accredited journalists faced harassment at checkpoints, with some threatened and forced to trek long distances despite valid accreditation tags. Many eventually sought shelter at the Nasarawa State Pavilion before being moved on by delegates.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Yilwatda pledged that the new NWC would work to rebuild Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“Our mission is clear. Together, we will build a Pan-African and Pan-Nigerian party that is stronger, transparent, inclusive, more disciplined and united than ever,” he said.

He promised to deepen internal democracy, strengthen party structures, expand the party’s reach, and empower the youth, describing them as “not just the future, but a huge and important part of our today.”

Together, we will build a Pan-African and Pan-Nigerian party.

Former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who chaired the Central Coordinating Committee, told delegates they were part of a “solemn assembly” to shape the nation’s destiny.

“This convention is not a routine jugglery; it is a solemn assembly, a historic moment… You are here to shape history,” Masari declared. He urged unity and service over privilege.

President Tinubu emphasised party cohesion and commended Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) for their contributions to the convention’s success.

Representing the Federal Executive Council, Minister of Finance Wale Edun defended the administration’s economic reforms, noting that growth had doubled from about 2% to 4% annually. He highlighted ongoing interventions in agriculture, small-scale industries, and power sector revitalisation through World Bank partnerships.

The convention comes as opposition figures intensify realignment efforts, including reported moves by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso towards the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This convention is not a routine jugglery; it is a solemn assembly, a historic moment… You are here to shape history.

The new NWC is expected to focus on grassroots mobilisation, party discipline, and effective coordination to deliver victory in the 2027 general elections.

Party stakeholders described the event as largely successful despite logistical challenges faced by the media, signalling strong internal cohesion within Nigeria’s ruling party.

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