By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
FRIDAY AT the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its 8th national convention at Eagle Square, electing its new National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was reaffirmed as the party’s national chairman, with Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru elected national secretary.
The full slate of officers was also endorsed by delegates through a consensus arrangement.
Deputy national chairmen are Ali Bukar Dalori for the north and Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye for the south. Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana was chosen as deputy national secretary, while Murtala Aliyu Kankia will serve as national legal adviser.
Uguru Mathew Ofoke and Amb. Haruna Ginsau were elected national treasurer and financial secretary respectively.
Other members include Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu as national organising secretary, Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa as national welfare secretary, Felix Morka as national publicity secretary, and Sen. Abubakar Maikafi as national auditor. Dr. Mary A. Idele was elected national women leader, Dayo Israel retained the post of national youth leader, and Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole was named national leader for persons with disabilities.
Deputy positions were also filled, including Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo as deputy national financial secretary, Barr. Emeka Okafor as deputy national organising secretary, Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim as deputy national women leader, Hon. Meseko Durosinmi Josiah as deputy national publicity secretary, Dr. Christopher Michael Akpan as deputy national welfare secretary, Mr. Olugbenga Olayemi as deputy national auditor, Barr. Ibrahim Salawu as deputy national legal adviser, Engr. Ben Akak as deputy national treasurer, and Jamaludeen Kabiru as deputy national youth leader.
National ex-officio representatives are Dr. Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi (North-Central), Adamu Jallah (North-East), Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf (North-West), Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh (South-East), Mr. Francis Kolokolo (South South), and Hon. Bunmi Orinowo (South-West).
However, Ben Nwoye replaced Emma Eneukwu as deputy national chairman (South) following party consultations and zoning considerations, with Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State playing a key role.
Yilwatda described his re-election as a call to greater service, pledging unity within the party. “We are ready to serve, ready to lead, and we are ready to build the party, together with the nation,” he said. He added that the NWC would not “fail or falter” in carrying out its responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the convention drew more than 8,000 delegates and prominent leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, members of the National Assembly, and other party stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu said Nigeria is “on the right track” and cited reforms in the oil and gas sector, oversubscribed Eurobond issuance, and exit from the financial grey list as evidence of improved investor confidence.
He assured citizens that challenges in electricity and industrialisation were being addressed.
Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, praised the reforms as laying a foundation for a stable and productive economy.
“Through difficult but necessary reforms, he has demonstrated vision, resolve, and uncommon foresight. Today, the foundation for a more stable, productive, and prosperous economy is being firmly laid,” he said, adding that the direction is clearer and prospects for long-term growth brighter.
Minister of Finance Wale Edun highlighted the impact of these reforms on the economy.
“The economy is improving. Growth has strengthened, doubling from 2% previously before your administration, now at the rate of 4% per annum,” he said. “Stability is returning, confidence is rebuilding, and the giant has reawakened.”
Bello Masari, chairman of the APC National Convention Planning Committee, declared the party ready for the 2027 elections.
“In terms of popularity, APC is number one, whatever the permutations. As a party, we are very ready,” he said. Masari also emphasised accountability at the correct level of government, warning that local issues should not be unfairly attributed to the presidency.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the convention is described as marking a culmination of consultations and planning that reinforced the party’s leadership structure and positioned it for the next general election, according to the President.
Detailed List of APC NWC:
• National chairman — Nentawe Yilwatda
• Deputy national chairman (north) — Ali Bukar Dalori
• Deputy national chairman (south) — Benjamin Obi Nwoye
• National secretary — Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru
• Deputy national secretary — AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana
• National legal adviser — Murtala Aliyu Kankia
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• National treasurer — Uguru Mathew Ofoke
• National financial secretary — Haruna Ginsau
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• National organising secretary — Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu
• National welfare secretary — Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa
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• National publicity secretary — Felix Morka
• National auditor — Abubakar Maikafi
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• National women leader — Mary A. Idele
• National youth leader — Dayo Israel
• National leader (persons with disabilities) — Durotolu Oyebode Bankole
• Deputy national financial secretary — Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo
• Deputy national organising secretary — Emeka Okafor
• Deputy national women leader — Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim
• Deputy national publicity secretary — Meseko Durosinmi Josiah
• Deputy national welfare secretary — Christopher Michael Akpan
• Deputy national auditor — Olugbenga Olayemi
• Deputy national legal adviser — Ibrahim Salawu
• Deputy national treasurer — Ben Akak
• Deputy national youth leader — Jamaludeen Kabiru
• National ex-officio (north-central) — Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi
• National ex-officio (north-east) — Adamu Jallah
• National ex-officio (north-west) — Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf
• National ex-officio (south-east) — Ikechukwu Umeh
• National ex-officio (south-south) — Francis Kolokolo
• National ex-officio (south-west) — Bunmi Orinowo
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