Politics
APC Convention 2026: Yilwatda Emerges National Chairman, Basiru Secretary | Full List of NWC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected a new set of national executives, with Professor Nentawe Yilwatda emerging as National Chairman and Senator Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary.
Their emergence came during the party’s fourth elective national convention held on Friday at Eagle Square, where both leaders were returned unopposed under a consensus arrangement adopted by the ruling party.
Consensus Strategy Shapes Convention Outcome
The APC reaffirmed its commitment to its zoning formula ahead of the convention, a move that effectively cleared the path for consensus candidates across most National Working Committee (NWC) positions. According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the zoning framework was part of the official schedule guiding the 2026 congresses and convention activities.
The convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” drew participation from 8,453 delegates, as disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Top Party Leaders in Attendance
The high-profile event attracted key figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
The convention planning committee was co-chaired by former Katsina State governor Aminu Masari and ex-Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim.
Full List of Key NWC Members
Alongside Yilwatda and Basiru, the convention produced other members of the NWC:
- Deputy National Chairmen:
- Ali Bukar Dalori (North)
- Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye (South)
- Deputy National Secretary:
- Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana
- National Legal Adviser:
- Murtala Aliyu Kankia
- National Treasurer:
- Uguru Mathew Ofoke
- National Financial Secretary:
- Amb. Haruna Ginsau
- National Organising Secretary:
- Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu
- National Welfare Secretary:
- Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa
- National Publicity Secretary:
- Felix Morka
- National Auditor:
- Sen. Abubakar Maikafi
- National Women Leader:
- Dr. Mary A. Idele
- National Youth Leader:
- Dayo Israel
- PWD Leader:
- Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole
Additional deputy positions were also filled, reflecting a broad representation across the country’s geopolitical zones.
Party Eyes Unity Ahead of Future Elections
The emergence of the new leadership is widely seen as part of APC’s broader strategy to consolidate internal unity and strengthen party structures ahead of upcoming political contests.
With the consensus model dominating the convention, the party leadership has signaled a preference for cohesion over contestation as it prepares for future electoral challenges.
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