The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has inaugurated the National Central Coordinating Committee for the party’s 2026 National Convention.
The inauguration took place at the APC’s National Secretariat, in Abuja the nation’s capital.
Describing the convention as more than a routine gathering, the chairman said; “it is the affirmation of our democratic values, celebration of our internal democracy and a demonstration to Nigerians that APC remains the most organised, forward looking and the most viable political party anybody will stand election in Nigeria.”
Citing victories in by-elections across states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, and Rivers as evidence of its strength and grassroots appeal, he said the APC’s performance has silenced opposition claims.
“We demonstrated that there is no presence of the so-called coalition in all the states that the elections were conducted ” the National Chairman said.
The chairman expressed confidence in the leadership of the committee, headed by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, describing him as a statesman of integrity with decades of experience and deep understanding of party administration.
He commended Masari’s acceptance of the responsibility as a testament to his enduring commitment to the APC and Nigeria, expressing optimism that the committee would deliver a credible and befitting convention.
Addressing members of the committee, the chairman charged them to rise above personal and partisan interests and focus on strengthening the party.
“I charge you all to rise above partisan interest and personal sentiment. Let the good of this party, the colour of APC guide you in every decision that you make. Time is of the essence. And I exp2ct nothing short of excellence from each and everyone of you. The national working committee and the entire party structure will stand strong and ready to support you.” he noted.
He emphasised the need for transparency, inclusiveness, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution and guidelines, assuring them of the full support of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Convention Activities
Declaring the process formally underway, he announced the commencement of activities leading to the APC National Convention 2026, expressing hope that history would remember the committee for reinforcing unity and renewing the collective will of party members.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Central Coordinating Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the APC and President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the committee.
He said members accepted the assignment with a strong sense of duty and commitment to the ideals and aspirations of the party.
“The task before the committee is therefore clear and to coordinate all activit9es leading to a peaceful, credible and successful 2026 national convention. We must approach this assignment with majurity, fairness and strict adherence to the party’s constitution and guidelines. Our objectives will be to conduct a civil and free convention that will strengthen and unify our party in order to reinforce confidence in the party’s internal mechanism.” he said.
Masari acknowledged key members of the committee, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, and elder statesman Bisi Akande, the party’s pioneer national chairman.
He described the national convention as a defining moment in the life of any political party, a platform for reflection, consolidation, and renewal of commitment to party ideals. He stressed that the committee’s responsibility is to coordinate all activities leading to a peaceful, credible, and successful 2026 convention.
Masari assured party members that the committee would operate with maturity, fairness, inclusiveness, and strict adherence to internal democratic principles.
He pledged broad consultations and decisive action in the overall interest of the APC, noting that Nigerians look to the ruling party for leadership and discipline.
According to him, a successful convention will not only reinforce confidence in the party’s internal mechanisms but also strengthen unity within the APC ahead of future political contests.
“The entire Nigerians looks up to the leadership of our party and we must demonstrate that. We must ensure discipline in our internal affairs and we must ensure the ambition of others do not lead to the destruction of the party,” Masari emphasised.