By Achile Danjuma
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a high-powered National Convention Central Coordination Committee ahead of its 2026 National Convention, with former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, named as chairman.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party’s recent electoral victories in Kano, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reaffirmed its dominance and silenced opposition claims of territorial strongholds.
“We demonstrated that there is no presence of the so-called coalition in all the states where elections were conducted,” Yilwatda declared, adding that the outcome had “shut down all the noise from the opposition that Abuja belongs to them.”
He described the forthcoming national convention as more than a routine political gathering, calling it an affirmation of democratic values, a celebration of internal democracy, and proof that the APC remains Nigeria’s most organised and forward-looking political party.
According to him, the committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of planning and delivering a convention that will be transparent, inclusive and credible — befitting of a ruling party of APC’s stature.
“You have been called upon to plan and deliver a convention that will strengthen our party and renew the collective will of our members,” he said. “The National Working Committee and the entire party structure will stand firmly behind you. You shall have the resources, cooperation and goodwill required to succeed.”
Yilwatda urged members of the committee to rise above partisan interests and personal sentiments in the discharge of their duties, stressing that history would judge their performance in steering the party toward a successful convention.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Masari said members accepted the responsibility with a strong sense of duty and commitment to the ideals and aspirations of the party.
He thanked the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in them, describing the assignment as a significant responsibility that must reflect orderliness, inclusiveness, transparency and respect for internal democracy.
“Our objective is to conduct a civil and credible convention that will strengthen and unify our party, reinforcing confidence in our internal mechanisms,” Masari said.
He assured party members that the committee would work closely with the National Working Committee and all relevant organs of the party to ensure effective coordination and seamless delivery of the convention.
“This committee will carry out its mandate with impartiality and collective responsibility. We will consult widely and act decisively in the overall interest of the party,” he stated.
Masari emphasised the need for discipline within the party’s ranks, warning that personal ambitions must not be allowed to undermine unity.
“Nigerians look up to the leadership of our party. We must demonstrate maturity in handling our internal affairs. A successful convention will not only guarantee electoral success but also strengthen and unite the APC,” he added.
The composition of the committee reflects the party’s broad national spread and inclusion of key stakeholders. Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, was appointed Vice Chairman I, while the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will serve as Vice Chairman II.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, was named Treasurer, while Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, will serve as Secretary of the Committee.
The committee is expected to coordinate all activities leading to what party leaders have described as a peaceful, transparent and successful 2026 National Convention — an event widely seen as crucial in consolidating the APC’s internal cohesion and positioning it for future electoral contests.