The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has returned Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman and Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary at its 8th elective National Convention held at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The party also returned members of its National Working Committee (NWC) through a consensus arrangement and voice vote. The newly sworn-in executives are expected to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.
Other key officers retained include Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori; Deputy National Chairman (South), Benjamin Obi Nwoye; National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka; National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; and National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankia.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda pledged to strengthen party unity and internal democracy while supporting the administration of Bola Tinubu. He said the new leadership would work to build a stronger, more transparent and inclusive party structure nationwide.
“Our mission is clear: together we will build a Pan-African and Pan-Nigerian party that is stronger, disciplined and united than ever,” he said, adding that the leadership would deepen grassroots participation and empower young members.
The convention drew the attendance of President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, lawmakers and APC governors.
Security was tightened around the venue as major roads leading to Eagle Square were cordoned off. Some journalists reported difficulties accessing the convention ground despite accreditation, with several initially turned back at checkpoints.
Addressing delegates, former Aminu Bello Masari, who chaired the convention’s Central Coordinating Committee, described the gathering as a “historic moment” and urged the 8,453 delegates to recognise their role in shaping the party’s future and Nigeria’s democratic direction.
Also speaking at the event, Finance Minister Wale Edun defended the administration’s economic reforms, saying growth had improved from about 2 percent before the current government to roughly 4 percent annually, while new partnerships were underway to support agriculture, industry and power sector investment.
The convention, largely conducted through consensus arrangements, underscored the APC’s expanding political reach, with party officials noting that the number of APC-controlled states has risen to 31 in the last two years.
