No fewer than 32 state governors and 8,453 delegates have arrived in Abuja for the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold Friday and Saturday.
President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and top party leaders from across national, zonal, state, and ward levels are expected to participate in the high-stakes gathering, where new party executives will emerge.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a media briefing at the Transcorp Hilton, noting that the convention represents a critical moment for leadership transition and policy direction within the ruling party.
He said the theme, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the APC’s vision of strengthening internal cohesion while aligning party leadership with government priorities.
According to Idris, the convention will serve as a platform for policy engagement, leadership elections, and strategic planning ahead of future political activities, particularly the 2027 general elections.
“All arrangements have been concluded for a smooth, transparent, and credible convention at Eagle Square,” he said, adding that all committees involved had finalized their assignments.
The Chairman of the Convention’s Central Coordinating Committee, Aminu Masari, also assured party members and observers of a hitch-free exercise. He emphasized that the APC remains committed to its zoning arrangement, noting that party offices have been distributed across regions in line with federal character principles.
Despite the assurances, some grievances have emerged. A party chieftain, Fubara Dagogo, has protested his exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress, though he indicated willingness to pursue internal resolution mechanisms rather than seek legal injunctions.
Similarly, Paul Oyiborume raised concerns about alleged exclusion, although he has yet to initiate legal action.
Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, who chairs the Convention Appeals Committee, expressed confidence that the process would proceed without disruption, stating that contingency measures were in place to address unforeseen issues.
FG Orders Work-From-Home in Abuja
In anticipation of heavy traffic and security concerns, the Federal Government directed civil servants within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home during the convention period.
The directive follows the temporary closure of major roads around the Federal Secretariat and Eagle Square, the main venue of the event.
Hotels Fully Booked as Delegates Flood FCT
The influx of delegates has led to a surge in hotel bookings across the Federal Capital Territory. Major facilities, including Transcorp Hilton, NICON Luxury, Hotel Continental, and Reiz Hotel, have recorded full occupancy, while smaller hotels and guesthouses are also experiencing high demand.
The APC convention is expected to shape the party’s internal structure and set the tone for its political strategy ahead of the next election cycle.
ADVERTISEMENTS
