APC Convention: Tinubu, 32 governors, 8,453 delegates converge on Abuja

Abuja is set to host thousands of members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the ruling party begins its National Convention today (Friday), with President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, 32 state governors and over 8,400 delegates expected to participate in the two-day event.

The convention, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Eagle Square, will bring together party leaders from across the country to elect new executives and deliberate on the party’s future direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who is also Co-Chairman of the convention’s Media Sub-Committee, disclosed the details on Thursday during the APC World Media Briefing at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

According to him, a total of 8,453 accredited delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to attend the convention alongside senior party officials from national, zonal, state and ward levels.

“The convention hopes to bring together delegates from across the country for policy engagement, leadership elections and a formal transition to a new set of party executives,” Idris said.

He explained that the convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the party’s achievements so far and its strategic vision for the future.

“The forthcoming National Convention marks another milestone in our journey, reflecting both the continuity of our values and the renewal of our leadership,” he said.

“It offers an opportunity to highlight the party’s achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to demonstrate how his guiding vision is being translated into tangible outcomes for Nigerians.”

Idris added that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains central to the party’s policy direction and national development strategy.

“The convention is also an opportunity to deepen this agenda within our leadership and institutional structures, ensuring that the party and government remain aligned in purpose,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the APC would continue to function as a broad-based  political platform accommodating diverse views while maintaining unity of purpose.

“All arrangements have been concluded for a smooth, transparent and credible convention at the Eagle Square here in Abuja,” he added.

He noted that the various committees set up to organise the event had completed their assignments to ensure efficient coordination and order during the exercise.

Chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, also expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for the event.

Masari said the convention would proceed as planned and noted that the party was not aware of any litigation that could disrupt the process.

“The APC is a responsible political party in Nigeria. In line with the federal character principle, all offices are zoned,” he said.

“If you are contesting for an office that is not zoned to your zone, then questions arise about your intentions. The party structures are organised on a zonal basis and we expect members to respect those arrangements.”

He added that the committee overseeing the convention had established 25 sub-committees, all of which had reported satisfactory progress in preparations for the gathering.

“We assure Nigerians and even those outside the country that the APC is ready for the 2026 National Convention,” Masari said.

Despite the assurances, the build-up to the convention has not been without controversy.

Some party members have alleged that they were excluded from contesting for certain positions.

One of them, party chieftain Fubara Dagogo, filed a complaint at the Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba on March 25.

Dagogo claimed he had fulfilled all constitutional requirements, including payment of N5.1 million for his nomination form.

However, he said he would first seek resolution through the party’s internal mechanisms rather than seeking a court order to halt the convention.

“At the moment, I’m exploring the party’s internal mechanisms to resolve the issue. I believe the matter will be addressed and justice will take its course,” he said.

Another party member, Paul Oyiborume, has also made similar allegations, although he has yet to approach the court.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the APC National Convention Appeals Committee and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, said the committee was fully prepared to address any issues that might arise.

“We are not expecting any problem, but in a process like this you must always be prepared,” Kefas said after a committee meeting on Thursday night.

“With the preparations we have made so far, we are confident that the convention will be hitch-free.”

The influx of delegates and party faithful has already transformed Abuja, with hotels and guest houses across the Federal Capital Territory recording high occupancy rates.

Checks showed that major hotels such as Transcorp Hilton, NICON Luxury Hotel, Hotel Continental and Reiz Hotel were fully booked ahead of the event.

Even budget hotels with room rates between N50,000 and N80,000 per night recorded high patronage, forcing many visitors to seek accommodation outside the city centre.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed civil servants working in offices within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja to work from home on Friday to ease traffic congestion during the convention.

In a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and signed by Permanent Secretary Abdul S. U. Garba, the government announced that roads around the Federal Secretariat Complex would be closed from March 27 to March 28.

The directive affects staff of ministries, departments and agencies located in the Federal Secretariat Phases I, II and III, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Workers were seen on Thursday putting finishing touches to decorations at the Eagle Square venue, while major roads leading to the site were adorned with banners welcoming delegates to the APC National Convention.

Party leaders say the gathering will not only elect a new leadership but also set the tone for the APC’s  political strategy as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.