Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Senator Ajibola Basiru have been formally re-elected as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s 8th National Convention, which took place at Eagle Square in Abuja on March 27, 2026.
The majority of the National Working Committee (NWC) members, including Yilwatda and Basiru, were returned through a consensus arrangement, confirmed by an affirmative voice vote.
While most positions were retained, there were notable changes. Benjamin Obi Nwoye replaced Emma Eneukwu as Deputy National Chairman (South), and Emeka Okafor took over from Nze Chidi Duru as Deputy National Organising Secretary.
Other members of the NWC include Deputy National Chairman (North) Abubakar Dalori, Deputy National Secretary Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, National Vice Chairman (North Central) Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, National Vice Chairman (North East) Dr. Mustapha Salihu, National Vice Chairman (North West) Mohammed Datti, National Vice Chairman (South East) Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice Chairman (South South) Victor Giadom, and National Vice Chairman (South West) D. I. Kekemeke.
Others include National Legal Adviser Muritala Aliyu Kankia, National Treasurer Uguru Matthew Ofoke, National Organising Secretary Suleiman Argungu, National Welfare Secretary Ignatius Nwapa, National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, National Women Leader Mary Alile-Idele, National Youth Leader Dayo Israel and Special Leader for Persons with Disabilities Tolu Bankole, among others.
The convention was attended by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors
The president, who presided over the inauguration of the newly elected NWC members, highlighted his administration’s economic reforms, asserting that they are beginning to yield positive results despite hardship triggered by the policy adjustments.
Tinubu said his administration chose to embark on bold, courageous reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable economic prosperity in the future.
He claimed that the reforms have led to the restoration of investor confidence.
The oath of office was administered by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who urged the newly elected officials to uphold the ideals and core values of the party in the discharge of their duties.
In his speech, Yilwatda described his re-election as a “call to greater service,” pledging to lead an open-door administration focused on internal democracy and rebuilding Nigeria under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He declared that his leadership will work relentlessly to strengthen the party’s institutions in all regions.
The APC chairman also stressed that preparing for the 2027 general elections will necessitate widespread engagement with Nigerians across political, ethnic, and regional lines in order to strengthen the party’s national appeal.
