The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling political party, has elected a new set of national officers during its 4th Elective National Convention held at Eagle Square in Abuja on Friday night. The event brought together top party leaders, government officials, and delegates from across the country.
At the end of the exercise, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was returned as the National Chairman of the party, while Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru emerged as the National Secretary. Their emergence was announced by the Convention Election Committee, which confirmed that most of the positions were filled through a consensus arrangement.
The convention is an important event in the life of the party. It is where leaders are chosen to guide the party’s activities and prepare it for future elections. The newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) members are expected to manage the party’s affairs and strengthen its structure across the country.
Other key positions were also filled during the convention. Ali Bukar Dalori was elected as Deputy National Chairman (North), while Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye became Deputy National Chairman (South). Professor AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana emerged as Deputy National Secretary.
In the legal and financial arms of the party, Murtala Aliyu Kankia was elected as National Legal Adviser, Uguru Mathew Ofoke as National Treasurer, and Ambassador Haruna Ginsau as National Financial Secretary. Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu was named National Organising Secretary, with Barrister Emeka Okafor as his deputy.
The party also elected Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa as National Welfare Secretary and Dr. Christopher Michael Akpan as Deputy National Welfare Secretary. Felix Morka retained his position as National Publicity Secretary, while Hon. Meseko Durosinmi Josiah emerged as his deputy.
Other officials include Senator Abubakar Maikafi as National Auditor, Dr. Mary A. Idele as National Women Leader, and Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim as Deputy National Women Leader. Dayo Israel was elected National Youth Leader, while Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole became the National Leader for Persons with Disabilities.
Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo was elected Deputy National Financial Secretary. In addition, the party named several National Ex-Officio members to represent different regions of the country. These include Dr. Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi (North Central), Adamu Jallah (North East), Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf (North West), Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh (South East), Mr. Francis Kolokolo (South South), and Hon. Bunmi Orinowo (South West).
The convention was attended by many top leaders of the party and government. Among them were President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Their presence showed the importance of the event and the need for unity within the party.
Delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were also present. They gathered to take part in the decision-making process and to support the emergence of leaders who will guide the party in the coming years.
The APC was formed in 2013 after a merger of several political parties. Since then, it has grown to become one of the strongest political parties in Nigeria. It won the presidential election in 2015 and has remained in power since then. As a ruling party, its internal leadership structure plays a key role in shaping government policies and political direction.
However, some observers have noted that consensus arrangements can limit competition and reduce the chance for new voices to emerge. Despite this, party leaders believe it helps to keep the party stable, especially as it prepares for future elections.
In his remarks at the event, party leaders called for cooperation among members. They urged the new executives to work together and focus on strengthening the party at all levels. There were also calls for the leadership to address internal challenges and improve communication within the party.
The new National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, is expected to play a key role in uniting members and building on the party’s achievements. His leadership will be tested as the party prepares for upcoming elections and works to maintain its position as the ruling party.
Similarly, the new National Secretary, Senator Basiru, will be responsible for managing the party’s records and ensuring proper coordination among its organs. His role is important in keeping the party organized and effective.
The APC faces several challenges, including managing internal disagreements, responding to public concerns, and delivering on campaign promises. The performance of the new leadership will be closely watched by party members and the general public.
As Nigeria continues to develop its democratic system, political parties like the APC play a major role in shaping the country’s future. The outcome of this convention marks another step in that process.
With a new set of leaders in place, attention will now shift to how they will guide the party and prepare it for the tasks ahead. Many party members have expressed hope that the new executives will bring fresh ideas and strengthen the party’s unity.