…APC also returned all members of its National Working Committee (NWC) through consensus and voice vote.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | All Progressives Congress (APC) has re-elected Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Ajibola Basiru as its National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
At its 8th (fourth elective) National Convention held in Abuja on Friday, APC also returned all members of its National Working Committee (NWC) through consensus and voice vote.
The newly inaugurated NWC members are expected to steer the party’s affairs over the next four years. Among them are Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori; Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu; National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Gumel; and National Legal Adviser, Murtala Kankia, among others.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda pledged that the committee would work towards rebuilding Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“Our mission is clear: to build a stronger, more transparent, inclusive, disciplined, and united Pan-African and Pan-Nigerian party. We will deepen internal democracy to ensure every member is heard, strengthen party structures to build trust, expand our reach to all communities, and empower our youth as a vital part of today,” he said.
Meanwhile, activities in Abuja were significantly disrupted as the APC convention took place under tight security, with journalists initially barred and in some cases threatened by security personnel.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and 31 APC governors were present at the Eagle Square venue, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, lawmakers, and delegates. The convention officially commenced at about 8:15 p.m.
Heavy security presence restricted movement around the venue, forcing many accredited journalists to trek long distances after being denied access at checkpoints. Some security operatives reportedly threatened to open fire on reporters attempting to gain entry. Those who eventually gained access faced further hostility from delegates and were forced to relocate.
Earlier, the APC convention, largely guided by a consensus arrangement featured numerous aspirants screened for NWC positions. While most positions were filled by consensus, the roles of Deputy National Chairman (South) and National Welfare Secretary were contested.
Yilwatda, from Plateau State, led the list of consensus candidates, alongside Abubakar Dalori (Deputy National Chairman, North) and Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru (National Secretary). Other key figures included Abdulkarim Kana (Deputy National Secretary), Mu’azu Rijau (National Vice Chairman, North Central), Murtala Kankia (National Legal Adviser), Felix Morka (National Publicity Secretary), and Dayo Israel (National Youth Leader).
In the contested races, Emma Eneukwu faced off against Ben Nwoye for Deputy National Chairman (South), while Ignatius Nwapa and Nduka Anyanwu vied for National Welfare Secretary.
Despite efforts to ensure a smooth process, the heavy-handed approach of security agencies cast a shadow over the exercise, leaving journalists struggling to cover proceedings.
Addressing delegates, President Tinubu emphasized party unity and commended Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Hope Uzodimma, and Dapo Abiodun for their roles in the convention’s success.
Earlier, Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Central Coordinating Committee, described the gathering of 8,453 delegates as a “solemn assembly” with a historic responsibility to shape the party’s future.
“This is not a routine exercise but a defining moment for our democracy. You are here not just to vote, but to shape history,” Masari said, urging delegates to embrace service, trust, and unity.
Representing the Federal Executive Council, Minister of Finance Wale Edun defended the administration’s economic reforms, noting improvements in key indicators. He said economic growth had risen from about 2% to 4% annually and highlighted ongoing efforts to boost agriculture, support small businesses, and attract private investment into the power sector through collaboration with the World Bank.
