The All Progressives Congress is poised to return Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and Dr Ajibola Basiru as National Chairman and National Secretary at its forthcoming national convention, as party leaders rally around a continuity agenda within the National Working Committee.
Multiple senior officials, who requested anonymity, disclosed that nearly 20 incumbent NWC members are seeking another term in office. The officials said consultations are ongoing with governors and other key stakeholders ahead of the March 27–28 convention to consolidate support.
The Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, confirmed that party leaders had embraced a consensus arrangement to foster unity, limit internal disagreements and ensure a smooth convention process.
In line with its revised timetable, the party has concluded ward and local government congresses in most states, except in a few where the exercise was rescheduled. The national convention in March is expected to culminate in the election of new NWC members.
The Convention Planning Committee, chaired by Aminu Masari, has been tasked with supervising the exercise.
Article 17 of the APC Constitution (March 2022, as amended) provides that party officers serve a four-year term and may be re-elected for one additional term. Most serving NWC members were elected in August 2023, while Yilwatda assumed office as National Chairman in July 2025.
A party source indicated that Bola Tinubu has expressed a preference for retaining both Yilwatda and Basiru.
According to the source, discussions surrounding the offices of National Chairman and National Secretary have largely been concluded, pending any change in position by the President. Talks concerning other NWC positions are said to be ongoing.
Another insider acknowledged that earlier concerns about regional balancing had trailed Basiru’s potential re-election, given that both he and the President hail from the Southwest. However, the source noted that such reservations appear to have waned, with many leaders supporting continuity based on his performance since 2023.
Duru, when contacted, said there would be nothing unusual in returning the two officers through consensus. He maintained that the pair had demonstrated capacity and enjoyed broad support within party ranks.
He further confirmed that the party intends to rely on consensus at all levels of the convention to minimise friction and reduce costs, noting that the recent congresses were conducted using the same model.
Convention Committee To Be Inaugurated
The APC has fixed Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for the inauguration of its 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee. The event is scheduled to hold at the NWC Hall of the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja at 2:00 pm.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the inauguration was described as a key milestone in preparations for the convention.
Masari will serve as chairman of the committee. Pius Anyim has been named Vice Chairman I, while AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will serve as Vice Chairman II. Hope Uzodimma has been appointed treasurer, and Mai Mala Buni will act as secretary.
Progressive Institute Launched
Meanwhile, the APC National Chairman said the creation of The Progressive Institute underscores the administration’s vision of establishing a premier political institution.
Speaking at the inauguration of the institute’s governing council in Abuja, Yilwatda commended President Tinubu for championing the initiative and pledged the party’s commitment to building a world-class institution.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in laying the groundwork for the institute.
Yilwatda disclosed that he would chair the governing council to provide policy direction and strategic oversight. He outlined the institute’s mandate to include policy research, leadership development, governance training, election capacity building and preserving the institutional memory of the party.
The Director-General and Secretary of the Council, Dr Lanre Adebayo, assured party leaders of the institute’s dedication to advancing the APC’s objectives.
