Barring any last-minute changes, the All Progressives Congress is poised to retain Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman and Dr. Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary at its upcoming national convention, as party leaders push for continuity within the National Working Committee (NWC).
Sources within the party, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that about 20 serving NWC members are seeking another term in office. The officials are reportedly engaging governors and other key stakeholders to consolidate support ahead of the March 27–28 convention.
The Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, confirmed that the party had opted for a consensus arrangement to foster unity, limit internal disputes, and ensure a smooth convention process.
The party has already concluded ward and local government congresses across most states, in line with its revised timetable, except in a few areas where exercises were postponed. The national convention in March will culminate in the election of new NWC members.
The Convention Planning Committee, chaired by former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari, has been tasked with overseeing the exercise.
Under Article 17 of the party’s constitution (March 2022, as amended), national officers serve a four-year term and may be re-elected for one additional term. Most current NWC members were elected in August 2023, while Yilwatda assumed office as chairman in July 2025.
A senior party source revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indicated a preference for retaining both Yilwatda and Basiru.
According to the source, the positions of National Chairman and National Secretary have effectively been settled, pending any change of mind by the President. Discussions regarding other offices, however, are still ongoing.
Another party insider noted that initial concerns about Basiru’s retention—given that both he and the President are from the Southwest—have eased. Having served since 2023, many leaders now believe he deserves another term.
Duru also expressed support for the possible retention of both officers, describing them as competent and widely accepted within the party. He added that consensus remains the preferred model for filling all positions at the convention, as it has proven to be less contentious and more cost-effective during earlier congresses.
Committee Inauguration Set for Wednesday
The APC has fixed Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for the inauguration of the 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee. The event will take place at the NWC Hall of the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja at 2:00 pm.
In a statement, National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the inauguration as part of preparations for the convention.
Masari will serve as chairman of the committee. Former Senate President Pius Anyim is Vice Chairman I, while Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will serve as Vice Chairman II.
Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, has been named treasurer, while Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni will serve as secretary of the committee.
Progressive Institute Launched
Meanwhile, Yilwatda has said the establishment of The Progressive Institute reflects President Tinubu’s vision of building a premier political institution in Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration of the institute’s governing council in Abuja, Yilwatda expressed appreciation to the President for supporting the initiative and pledged commitment to achieving a world-class standard.
He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in laying the foundation for the institute.
Yilwatda disclosed that he would chair the governing council to provide strategic oversight. He outlined the institute’s core functions to include policy research, leadership development, intra-party governance training, election capacity building, and preservation of the party’s institutional memory.
The Director-General and Secretary of the Council, Dr. Lanre Adebayo, assured party leaders of the institute’s dedication to advancing the APC’s objectives.
