The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to hold its National Convention on March 27 and 28, 2026, with indications that the event will be largely devoid of the usual political drama, scheming, and intense competition. Instead, the ruling party has resolved to retain the current members of its National Working Committee (NWC) through a consensus arrangement, effectively removing suspense from the exercise.
Preparations for the convention have been concluded following the screening of aspirants for various NWC positions. The process signals readiness for what party insiders describe as a routine reaffirmation of leadership rather than a contest-driven gathering.
Notably, the APC enters the convention as the dominant political force in Nigeria, boasting 32 governors within its ranks ahead of the 2027 general election. Despite this advantage, the party leadership has opted for stability, avoiding moves that could trigger internal divisions or crisis.
To maintain cohesion, the party adopted a consensus strategy, asking current NWC members to "bow and go" unopposed. This decision has significantly reduced tension and eliminated the possibility of last-minute surprises typically associated with such conventions.
Earlier, the party leadership had assured aspirants of fairness and transparency in the screening process. Chairman of the screening sub-committee and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, pledged adherence to party guidelines, the constitution, and the Electoral Act.
“We are going to be transparent. We are going to be fair. We are going to be just to all of them (aspirants)... So they don’t have anything to fear,” Oyebanji said.
Following the exercise, key party officials, including National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, were cleared alongside other members of the NWC, reinforcing the consensus outcome.
Speaking after the screening, Yilwatda emphasised party loyalty and internal cohesion, noting that the APC prioritises its members over external allies. He also highlighted the absence of internal conflicts within convention committees, contrasting the party’s approach with others.
According to him: “We’ve seen growth in the party, and it’s not a one-man’s job... We’ve also seen the deepening of technology... It is now that we’ve known that our party is more youth-driven than any other party.”
Similarly, Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, dismissed claims that the convention was merely ceremonial, insisting it reflects the party’s tradition of consensus-building.
“I would like to say that it is majorly consensus... It does not mean that there are no contests... but once the party has the internal mechanism... there can only be one person that occupies an office,” he said.
Basiru, on his part, highlighted achievements since assuming office in August 2023, including membership expansion and administrative reforms, while stressing the need to strengthen party structures nationwide. He said: “We thank God that since we took over the mantle of leadership, salutary development has occurred in our party... one of the tasks that we have to do is to consolidate the strength of the party.”
