The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its 8th National Convention after hours of high-level deliberations, producing a new National Working Committee (NWC) through a consensus process ratified by party delegates.
Nentawe Yilwatda emerged as the party’s National Chairman, while Surajudeen Basiru was elected National Secretary. Other key officials include Felix Morka as Publicity Secretary and Dayo Israel, who retained his position as Youth Leader.
The Convention Election Committee formally announced the NWC members during the 4th Elective National Convention.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda described his re-election as a call to greater service, pledging commitment to party unity and national development.
“We are ready to serve, ready to lead, and ready to build the party together with the nation,” he said, assuring that the new leadership would not “fail or falter” in its responsibilities.
The convention, held at Eagle Square, drew over 8,000 delegates and top dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Assembly leaders, APC governors, and other party stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu maintained that Nigeria remains on a steady path to recovery despite prevailing challenges. He acknowledged the difficulty of ongoing reforms but emphasized their necessity.
“We knew rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions. But no nation rises by avoiding the truth,” the president stated.
Tinubu highlighted improvements in investor confidence, noting renewed foreign interest in the oil and gas sector, a heavily oversubscribed Eurobond issuance, and Nigeria’s exit from the global financial “grey list,” which he described as a restoration of international credibility.
On the issue of power supply, the president assured Nigerians that his administration is addressing electricity challenges through strategic initiatives, including the Grid Asset Management Company, promising gradual but sustained improvement.
He also commended Nigerian youths, describing them as “the hope of a more glorious and assured future.”
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, said the administration’s reforms are laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability and growth.
“Through difficult but necessary reforms, a strong foundation for a more productive and prosperous economy is being laid,” he said, adding that effective leadership requires foresight beyond immediate challenges.
Similarly, Minister of Finance Wale Edun noted signs of economic recovery, citing improved growth figures and renewed investor confidence.
“The economy is improving. Growth has strengthened from about 2 percent to approximately 4 percent annually, though more progress is needed,” Edun said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the APC National Convention Planning Committee, Bello Masari, expressed confidence in the party’s electoral strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“In terms of popularity, APC remains number one. We are not afraid; we are ready,” he declared.
Masari also reiterated the need for accountability at all levels of governance, stressing that not all national challenges should be attributed solely to the federal government.
“The problem in Nigeria is that we often fail to assign responsibilities appropriately. Some issues belong to local governments, others to the states, yet everything is blamed on the President,” he added.
