32 govs, 8,453 delegates storm Abuja for APC convention

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 32 state governors, and 8,453 accredited delegates are expected to converge on Abuja today for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, scheduled to hold between Friday and Saturday.

The event, set to take place at Eagle Square, will bring together party leaders at the national, zonal, state, and ward levels to elect new executives and set policy direction for the ruling party.

Speaking at the APC World Media Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Co-Chairman of the Media Sub-Committee and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said all preparations had been completed for a smooth and transparent convention.

The minister said the theme, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the party’s identity, achievements, and strategic direction under President Tinubu’s administration.

“We are expecting 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states and the FCT. This convention offers a platform for policy engagement, leadership transition, and alignment of party and government priorities,” Idris stated.

He added that the event would also showcase the party’s achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing unity, national development, and consolidation of progress.

Idris assured that all committees had concluded their assignments, noting that every detail had been addressed to avoid disruptions.

Chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, confirmed that the party adhered strictly to its zoning formula and was unaware of any pending litigation that could hinder the event.

Masari reiterated that only aspirants from zones allocated specific offices are eligible to purchase nomination forms.

“If an office is zoned to a particular area and someone from another zone buys a form, we see that as an attempt to cause confusion. APC is a responsible party, and all NWC positions are shared according to zones,” he said.

On complaints from aggrieved aspirants, Masari said the party had not been officially notified of any court cases.

Meanwhile, a party chieftain, Fubara Dagogo, has protested his exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, despite purchasing a N5.1 million nomination form and fulfilling all requirements. Dagogo, however, said he would seek redress through the party’s internal mechanism rather than attempt to stop the convention.

Another aspirant, Paul Oyiborume, raised similar concerns but has not taken legal action.

Dagogo expressed optimism that the party’s conflict-resolution structures would address the issue, stressing the importance of exhausting internal mechanisms before seeking external intervention.