The All Progressives Congress (APC) opened its eighth National Convention on Friday at Eagle Square in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu, members of his cabinet, 32 state governors, and 8,453 delegates from across the country participated in the two-day event scheduled to conclude on Saturday.
Massive Turnout Expected
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed the attendance figures during a world media briefing held ahead of the convention. He stated, “The convention is not just a routine exercise, but a moment of reflection, consolidation, and planning.”
Idris added, “It represents our collective resolve to strengthen democratic values, deepen internal governance, and align party processes with national development priorities.”The minister explained that the delegates reflected inclusiveness, unity, and democratic maturity. He assured that exhaustive plans had been made to accommodate all accredited participants.
Tinubu’s Affirmation Tops Agenda
The highpoint of the convention centered on the affirmation of President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. Although Tinubu had not formally declared his intention to seek a second term, party insiders indicated that the issue featured prominently during deliberations.
Earlier this year, APC stakeholders at a summit in Abuja passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu and endorsed him as the party’s preferred candidate. The endorsement received backing from members of the National Working Committee, governors, and federal lawmakers.
However, party officials clarified that the endorsement did not preclude internal democracy. Suleiman Argungu, National Organising Secretary of the APC, stated that the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants interested in contesting the presidential ticket.
Security Measures Implemented
The Federal Government ordered civil servants at the Federal Secretariat Complex to work from home during the convention period. Abdul Garba, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office, issued the directive in a circular.
The circular stated, “All Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, Agencies and Offices located within the Federal Secretariat, Phases I, II and III are hereby informed of the closure of all access roads leading to and around the said Federal Secretariat Complex, from Friday, 27th to Saturday, 28th March, 2026.”Authorities explained that the road closures became necessary because of activities scheduled at Eagle Square, the venue for the APC gathering.
Zoning Formula Defended
Aminu Bello Masari, chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, addressed concerns regarding the party’s use of consensus and zoning to fill party offices. He described the decision to restrict certain offices to specific geopolitical zones as a “strategic necessity” to ensure national balance and party stability.
Masari warned that individuals attempting to purchase forms for offices not zoned to their regions were likely “agents of confusion.” He stated, “APC is a responsible party. In line with federal character, all offices are zoned. If you are contesting for an office that is not zoned to your zone, how can you say you are being democratic?”
