The All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to retain Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Dr. Ajibola Basiru as national chairman and national secretary, respectively, at its forthcoming national convention, as party stakeholders work to sustain continuity within the National Working Committee (NWC).
Senior party officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that about 20 current officeholders are seeking re-election to the NWC and are engaging governors and other stakeholders to secure support ahead of the March 27–28 convention.
Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, said party leaders had adopted a consensus arrangement to promote unity, reduce internal disputes, and ensure a peaceful convention.
In line with its revised timetable, the APC has concluded ward and local government congresses across most states, with the national convention set to elect members of the NWC. The Convention Planning Committee, chaired by former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari, will oversee the exercise.
According to Article 17 of the APC Constitution (March 2022, as amended), party officers serve four-year terms and may be re-elected once. Most current NWC members were elected in August 2023, while Yilwatda assumed office as National Chairman in July 2025.
A party source disclosed that President Bola Tinubu prefers retaining Yilwatda and Basiru, adding, “If the President does not change his mind, it is highly likely that these two individuals will retain their positions in the next NWC.” Earlier regional concerns regarding Basiru’s continuation have reportedly diminished.
Duru further affirmed that the convention will adopt a consensus model, stating, “You cannot find better individuals to occupy those offices, even in an intra-party setting in Nigeria. All offices will be filled by way of consensus in the forthcoming national convention.”
Convention Committee Inauguration
The APC has scheduled the inauguration of the 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the NWC Hall of the APC National Secretariat, Abuja. Masari serves as chairman, with former Senate President Pius Anyim as Vice Chairman I, and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as Vice Chairman II. Other committee members include Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma (treasurer) and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni (secretary).
Progressive Institute Inaugurated
Meanwhile, APC National Chairman Prof. Yilwatda inaugurated the governing council of The Progressive Institute, describing it as a premier political foundation aligned with President Tinubu’s vision. Yilwatda will serve as council chairman, overseeing policy research, leadership development, intra-party governance training, election-related capacity building, and institutional memory functions.
Dr. Lanre Adebayo, Director-General and Secretary of the council, pledged the institute’s commitment to the party’s growth and development.
