President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of his cabinet, 32 state governors, and over 8,000 delegates are set to gather in Abuja for the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on Friday and Saturday.
The high-profile political event is expected to attract 8,453 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside party leaders at national, zonal, state and ward levels. The convention will culminate in the emergence of a new set of party executives, marking a significant moment in the APC’s internal political cycle.
Speaking at a world media briefing held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the gathering as a defining milestone for the ruling party.
Idris, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the convention’s media sub-committee, stated that the theme, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the APC’s evolution and its strategic direction moving forward.
“The convention will bring together delegates from across the federation for policy engagement, leadership elections, and a formal transition to a new set of party executives,” he said. “It is both a decision-making platform and a moment for reflection, consolidation, and setting direction for the next phase of our journey.”
Among those present at the briefing were key government and party figures, including the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; and presidential aides Sunday Dare and Bayo Onanuga.
Idris emphasised that the “Renewed Hope Agenda”, a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s administration, would remain central to the party’s policy direction and engagement with citizens. He noted that the convention offers an opportunity to align party structures with government priorities.
“All arrangements have been concluded for a smooth, transparent, and credible convention at Eagle Square,” he added, assuring that the various committees established for the event had completed their assignments.
Echoing this confidence, the Chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, said the party was fully prepared.
“We assure Nigerians and even those outside the country that the APC is ready for the 2026 convention,” Masari stated, adding that the 25 sub-committees involved were satisfied with the level of preparedness.
Addressing concerns over zoning and potential legal disputes, Masari reiterated that the party adheres strictly to its zoning arrangements in line with the federal character principle. He dismissed claims of litigation affecting the convention, noting that no official court processes had been served on the party.
However, tensions have emerged in the lead-up to the convention, with some party members alleging exclusion from the contest.
A party chieftain, Fubara Dagogo, has filed a complaint at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging his exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress despite reportedly meeting all requirements, including payment for nomination forms. Another member, Paul Oyiborume, has made similar allegations, although he has yet to initiate legal action.
Despite his grievance, Dagogo indicated that he would pursue resolution through the party’s internal mechanisms rather than seeking an injunction to halt the convention.
“At the moment, I’m exploring internal party mechanisms to resolve the issue,” he said. “I believe justice will take its course.”
As the APC prepares to convene thousands of stakeholders under one roof, the convention is widely seen as a critical test of the party’s unity, organisational strength, and readiness for future political challenges.
