By Lanre Oloyede
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday held its 8th National Convention in Abuja, where Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Surajudeen Basiru emerged unopposed as National Chairman and National Secretary, alongside other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Their emergence by consensus was announced by the Convention Election Committee at the Eagle Square venue, following the party’s adoption of consensus as the mode of voting.
The convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” brought together top party leaders and government officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, governors, lawmakers, and delegates from across the country.
Proceedings featured goodwill messages, adoption of reports from ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, as well as the dissolution of previous party executives before the election of new NWC members.
Addressing delegates, President Tinubu described the convention as a defining moment for the party and Nigeria’s democracy, praising the unity within the APC since 2023.
“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and hope. This convention is not just a gathering but a defining moment in our democratic journey,” he said.
The President also defended his administration’s policies, insisting that ongoing economic reforms are beginning to yield results despite criticisms from opposition parties.
“We are not going to be deterred by critics,” Tinubu said, noting that his government remains focused on economic recovery and national development.
He maintained that credible opposition is essential for democratic growth, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections under the amended Electoral Act.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges facing the country but expressed optimism about progress in key sectors, including oil and gas and electricity, where he projected additional power generation capacity.
He also pledged greater inclusion for young people and women, describing them as critical to Nigeria’s future, and promised increased opportunities in governance and public service.
In his remarks, Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee and former Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to building a stronger and fairer Nigeria through unity, inclusiveness, and good governance.
Masari urged party members to remain steadfast and work collectively to sustain the APC’s vision, adding that the convention was part of efforts to strengthen internal democracy and reposition the party for future political contests.
Although convened to elect party officials, the event took on a campaign-like atmosphere, with several speakers praising Tinubu’s leadership and endorsing his administration’s direction.
The convention concluded with the announcement of results and an acceptance speech by the newly elected National Chairman, as the APC signalled its intention to consolidate its structure and advance its governance agenda ahead of upcoming political activities.
