APC Sets Stage For 2026 Convention, Raises Planning C’ttee

ABUJA – The All Progressives Con­gress (APC) has formally set the machinery in motion for its 2026 national convention, declaring the exercise a de­fining moment in its political journey, with a string of re­cent electoral victories held up as proof of its dominance.

At the inauguration of the National Central Coordinat­ing Committee in Abuja on Wednesday, National Chair­man, Nentawe Yilwatda, framed the convention not just as a routine gathering but as a statement of strength and internal cohesion.

According to him, “A convention like ours, is not merely a gathering, it is the affirmation of our democrat­ic values, celebration of our internal democracy and a demonstration to Nigerians that APC remains the most or­ganised, forward looking and the most viable political party anybody will stand election in Nigeria.”

Projecting confidence, the APC leadership pointed to recent by-election outcomes as validation of its grassroots reach and electoral capacity.

Yilwatda said, “That can clearly be seen by all the by-elections conducted last year and this year.”

Reeling out figures to counter opposition claims, he added, “Just last week­end, the FCT election, we did 5 over 6. And the by-election that produced two House of Assembly members in Kano 2, and in Rivers we did 4 over 4 for the APC. And out of 65 councilors, we had 45. So it demonstrates the capacity of our party to deliver. And it shut down all the noise from the opposition.”

He dismissed suggestions of rival coalitions gaining ground, insisting that “there is no presence of the so-called coalition in all the states that the elections were conducted.”

The APC chairman placed significant weight on the leadership of the committee, singling out former Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, for his experience and credibility.

“I am particularly delight­ed that we have a statesman of the highest order leading this committee… He is bring­ing into this assignment de­cades of experience and un­questionable integrity, and a deep understanding of party administration,” he said.

Describing the convention as a milestone, Yilwatda told members, “Today will mark another moment in the pro­gressive journey of our great party… it is with immense pride and joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you to inaugurate this all important committee.”

He charged the committee to deliver a process that re­flects the stature of a ruling party. “You have been called upon to plan and deliver a convention that would be transparent, inclusive, credi­ble, befitting of a ruling party of great stature like the APC.”

Urging discipline and ur­gency, he said, “I charge you all to rise above partisan inter­est and personal sentiment… Time is of the essence. And I expect nothing short of ex­cellence from each and every one of you.”

Declaring the process un­derway, the chairman con­cluded, “With this words… It is my honour to say I hereby declare the APC National Convention 2026.”

In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the National Central Coordinating Com­mittee, Bello Masari, issued a stern call for discipline, uni­ty and constitutional order as the party prepares for the na­tional convention.

Masari struck a more mea­sured tone, emphasising pro­cess, fairness and unity as the pillars for success.

“We must approach this assignment with maturity, fairness and strict adherence to the party’s constitution and guidelines,” he said.

He added that “our objec­tives will be to conduct a civil and free convention that will strengthen and unify our par­ty in order to reinforce confi­dence in the party’s internal mechanism.”

Masari pledged coordina­tion with party organs and a commitment to collective re­sponsibility. “We shall work closely with the National Working Committee and all relevant organs… That this committee will deliver its mandate with impartiality and collective responsibility. We will consult widely. And act decisively in the overall interest of the party.”

Warning against inter­nal divisions, he noted, “We must ensure discipline in our internal affairs and we must ensure the ambition of others do not lead to the destruction of the party.”

He stressed the broader implications of the exercise, saying, “A successful conven­tion will not only lead to our success but unite our party, the APC.”

Expressing gratitude for the confidence reposed in the committee, Masari acknowl­edged party leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinu­bu, stating that the team ac­cepts the responsibility with “great sense of duty and com­mitment to the ideals and as­pirations of our party.”

He also recognised key figures within the commit­tee, including Anyim Pius Anyim, AbdulRahman Ab­dulRazaq, Hope Uzodimma and Mai Mala Buni, as well as elder statesman, Bisi Akande, whose foundational role in the party he described as in­valuable.

Beyond formalities, Masa­ri framed the convention as a moment of reckoning for the party’s future direction. “The national convention of a political party is not merely a statutory requirement but a defining moment… a plat­form for reflection, consolida­tion and renewal.”

He concluded by underscor­ing the task ahead: “The task before the committee is there­fore clear… to coordinate all activities leading to a peaceful, credible and successful 2026 national convention.”