APC Convention: Yilwatda, Basiru Emerge as National Chairman, Secretary

ABUJA – In a high-stakes display of internal party cohesion, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its 4th Elective National Convention, returning Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as its National Chairman and Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary.

​The election, held late Friday night into the early hours of Saturday at the historic Eagle Square in Abuja, saw the two leaders emerge through a consensus arrangement—a move party stalwarts described as a “masterstroke” for stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

​The atmosphere at Eagle Square was electric as thousands of delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory gathered under the theme: “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda.” The Convention Election Committee announced that Yilwatda and Basiru, along with several other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), were elected following extensive deliberations and late-night negotiations involving the party’s top hierarchy.

​Professor Yilwatda, a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and 2023 Plateau State governorship candidate, takes the reins at a critical period. His emergence is seen as a strategic pivot toward digital-age party administration and grassroots engagement. Beside him, Senator Ajibola Basiru, a PhD holder in Property Law and former Senate Spokesperson, was returned to his post, ensuring administrative continuity.

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​Presidential Endorsement

​The convention was attended by the full weight of the nation’s leadership. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were all present to witness the transition.

​In his remarks, President Tinubu lauded the “spirit of brotherhood” that led to the consensus, urging the new leadership to work tirelessly toward fulfilling the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

​”Tonight, we have shown that our party is not just a collection of individuals, but a united front committed to the progress of Nigeria,” the President stated.

​The successful hosting of the convention followed weeks of intense preparation by a 92-member planning committee. The committee was co-led by the former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim.

​The event marks the culmination of a rigorous internal process that began in early February with ward, local government, and state congresses.

​With the NWC now fully constituted, the APC is expected to pivot its focus toward party discipline and policy consolidation as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.