APC to Host 8,453 Delegates for 8th National Convention

APC to Host 8,453 Delegates for 8th National Convention

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The All Progressives Congress has confirmed that 8,453 delegates will participate in its 8th National Convention scheduled to hold from Friday, March 27 to Saturday, March 28 in Abuja.

The convention is expected to bring together party leaders and delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to elect new executives, review policies, and outline the party’s future direction.

Speaking at a World Press Conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the gathering as a critical moment for the party’s growth and consolidation.

He said, “We are expecting a total number of 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.”

Idris noted that the convention, themed *“Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,”* reflects the party’s commitment to unity and continuity, adding that it will also serve as a platform for reflection and strategic planning.

He further stated that preparations for the event have been concluded, with various committees finalising logistics and operational arrangements to ensure a smooth and transparent exercise.

According to him, adequate security measures have also been put in place to guarantee the safety of participants.

“We have not recorded any incidents, and by God’s grace, we will not record any incidents throughout this convention,” he said.

On funding, the minister explained that work on the final budget was still ongoing but assured that the party would operate within available resources.

“We are still working on the budget and it has a self-adjusting mechanism that will accommodate what we have, and once it is finalised, it will be made public,” he added.

Idris also linked ongoing infrastructure improvements to the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, noting that such developments would support the smooth movement of delegates and other participants during the convention.

Also speaking, Chairman of the 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, expressed confidence in the party’s readiness, revealing that extensive preparations had been carried out within a short period.

He said, “The Central Coordination Committee started its work about three weeks ago with 25 sub-committees covering all areas, and we are satisfied with the level of preparation and ready for the convention.”

Masari stated that the APC aims to demonstrate internal democracy, transparency, and organisational strength through the conduct of the convention.

He also addressed concerns raised by some aspirants over alleged denial of nomination forms, explaining that the party operates a zoning system to ensure fairness and balance across regions.

“If you go and pay for an office that does not exist within your zone, what are you paying for? Can you pay for something that you don’t have? You cannot own something that you don’t have,” he said.

He added that the party had not received any formal court processes regarding the complaints and remained focused on delivering a credible and orderly convention.

Party officials have urged members and stakeholders to maintain unity and discipline as the convention begins, expressing optimism that the exercise will strengthen the APC and position it for future political engagements.