By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of his cabinet, 32 state governors, and over 8,400 delegates have converged on Abuja for the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), holding Friday and Saturday.
The high-profile gathering will also attract party leaders from national, zonal, state, and ward levels, where new members of the party’s leadership are expected to emerge.
Speaking at a world media briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that a total of 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected at the event.
Other top government officials present at the briefing included Hannatu Musawa, Festus Keyamo, Sunday Dare, and Bayo Onanuga, alongside several party chieftains.
Idris explained that the convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the party’s vision, achievements, and future direction. He noted that the gathering would serve as a platform for policy discussions, leadership elections, and the formal transition to a new set of party executives.
According to him, the event also provides an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the Tinubu administration and align the party’s internal structure with its governing agenda.
He assured that all arrangements had been concluded to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible convention at Eagle Square, adding that various committees had finalised their assignments to guarantee efficient coordination.
Chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, stated that the party remained committed to its zoning arrangements and was not aware of any legal challenge against the convention.
Masari emphasised that the APC operates within the framework of federal character, warning that aspirants contesting positions outside their designated zones could be attempting to create confusion within the party.
Despite assurances, concerns have been raised by some party members over alleged exclusion from the process. A chieftain, Fubara Dagogo, filed a complaint at the Federal High Court in Abuja over his exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress, although he later indicated he would pursue internal party mechanisms rather than seek an injunction.
Similarly, Paul Oyiborume accused the party leadership of exclusion but has yet to approach the court.
Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor and Chairman of the APC National Convention Appeals Committee, Agbu Kefas, expressed confidence that the convention would proceed without disruption, noting that adequate preparations had been made to address any unforeseen issues.
Ahead of the event, the Federal Government directed civil servants working within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home on Friday, citing security and logistical arrangements. The directive includes the closure of access roads around the Secretariat and Eagle Square.
The convention is expected to shape the party’s future direction and lay the groundwork for political strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, hotels and guesthouses across Abuja have recorded full bookings as delegates and party supporters flooded the city, with increased activity observed around the Eagle Square venue in preparation for the event.