President Bola Tinubu arrived at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Friday for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, where the party is set to elect a new National Chairman and other national officers.
The President arrived around 8:10 p.m., three hours later than the scheduled time. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas had earlier reached the venue.
The convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” marks the fourth elective national convention of the APC since its formation in 2013 from the merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Congress for Progressive Change, All Nigeria Peoples Party, and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
The party held its first national convention in Lagos in 2014, electing John Odigie-Oyegun as its inaugural National Chairman, a position he held until 2018. He was succeeded by former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who served until the party’s National Executive Committee was dissolved in 2020 and replaced with a Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee led by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.
In March 2022, the APC elected Senator Abdullahi Adamu as National Chairman. Adamu resigned in July 2023 following reported disagreements with the Presidency over party management and was succeeded by former Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned on June 27, 2025, citing health concerns amid rising internal conflicts. Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Dalori then served in an acting capacity until Nentawe Yilwatda assumed the role last year.
Friday’s convention is expected to produce a full slate of national officers, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairmen (North and South), National Secretary, and other members of the National Working Committee.
The convention is being held in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, which mandate periodic party conventions, internal elections, and timely submission of elected officials’ details. Failure to comply can lead to sanctions, including refusal to recognize party leadership or, in extreme cases, party deregistration.
Delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory began arriving from 9:00 a.m., while special guests, including National Assembly leaders, governors, and members of the National Caucus, arrived between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Goodwill messages from representatives of labour unions, youth, women, persons with disabilities, and market women are expected, reflecting the party’s effort to project inclusivity.
President Tinubu was scheduled to deliver a 15-minute address between 7:20 p.m. and 7:35 p.m., after which the convention will proceed with the dissolution of party executives, election remarks, and voting. Government officials, including the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, the Managing Directors of the Rural Electrification Agency and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance Wale Edun, are expected to deliver brief remarks on reforms and service delivery.
The official opening ceremony began at 8:15 p.m. with the national anthem. APC National Convention Planning Committee Chairman Aminu Masari will deliver opening and welcome remarks, while Secretary Mai Mala Buni will outline convention proceedings. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, chair of the Election Subcommittee, is expected to provide details about the election process.
The convention is expected to run late into the night, culminating in the declaration of results, acceptance speech by the elected National Chairman, a vote of thanks, and closing session.
