Abuja was thrown into near standstill on Friday as the All Progressives Congress held its 8th elective National Convention at the Eagle Square under extremely tight security, a situation that led to journalists being initially barred, harassed and in some cases threatened by overzealous security operatives.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, 31 APC governors, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, lawmakers and thousands of delegates were present as the convention formally began at about 8:15 p.m.
Security agents, including police and soldiers, cordoned off major access routes leading to the venue, restricting movement and forcing many accredited journalists to trek long distances. Despite possessing valid tags, several reporters were turned back at multiple checkpoints, while some security personnel threatened to fire warning shots at journalists who attempted to challenge the restrictions. Those who eventually gained entrance briefly took shelter at the Nasarawa State Pavilion but were soon driven out by hostile delegates.
The convention itself was largely shaped by a consensus arrangement, with most positions in the National Working Committee already agreed upon. Incumbent National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda of Plateau State, led the list of cleared consensus aspirants. He was joined by Hon. Abubakar Dalori from Borno for the position of Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru from Osun who is expected to retain the office of National Secretary, Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana for Deputy National Secretary, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau for National Vice Chairman (North Central), Barrister Muritala Aliyu Kankia for National Legal Adviser, Felix Morka for National Publicity Secretary, and Dayo Israel for the position of National Youth Leader.
Two positions, however, remained contested. Chief Emma Eneukwu, the incumbent Deputy National Chairman (South), faced Hon. Ben Nwoye in a competitive race, while the position of National Welfare Secretary pitted the incumbent, Hon. Ignatius Nwapa, against Hon. Nduka Anyanwu.
Addressing delegates, former Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Central Coordinating Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, told the 8,453 accredited delegates that their presence in Abuja represented a “solemn assembly” with the power to shape the direction of the nation. Masari said the convention was more than a political ritual, describing it as a historic moment requiring wisdom, responsibility and unity. He reminded delegates that leadership was ultimately about service, trust and collective purpose. Despite the economic and security challenges confronting Nigerians, he insisted that these hardships were opportunities to demonstrate resilience and build a more prosperous country.
President Bola Tinubu, in his remarks, emphasised party unity and commended Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for their contributions to the smooth organisation of the event.
Representing the Federal Executive Council, Minister of Finance Wale Edun defended the administration’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary to reverse years of damage caused by a dysfunctional foreign exchange system and the absence of local refining capacity. Edun said the government’s policies have already begun yielding results, noting that economic growth has doubled from 2 per cent before the reforms to 4 per cent annually. He added that the APC’s political strength had deepened significantly, with the number of party governors rising from about 21 to 31 in just over two years—an achievement he said reflected shared purpose and stability.
Edun also disclosed that the government had approved new support packages for farmers and small-scale industries through the Bank of Industry.
Additionally, he noted that a major partnership with the World Bank was underway to revive the power sector by attracting increased private sector investment.
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