Abuja is witnessing heightened political activity as the All Progressives Congress (APC) begins its National Convention today (Friday), drawing President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, 32 state governors and more than 8,400 delegates from across the country.
The two-day convention, scheduled to hold at Eagle Square, will bring together party stakeholders from all levels to elect new leaders and deliberate on the party’s strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the APC World Media Briefing at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said extensive preparations had been made to ensure a successful convention.
Idris, who serves as Co-Chairman of the convention’s Media Sub-Committee, disclosed that 8,453 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate in the event alongside national and state party leaders.
According to him, the convention provides a platform for policy discussions, leadership elections and a review of the party’s progress under the current administration.
“The convention will bring together delegates from across the country for policy engagement, leadership elections and a formal transition to a new set of party executives,” he said.
The minister explained that the theme of the convention, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the ruling party’s commitment to strengthening its structures while aligning with the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.
He said the convention also offers an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the government and reinforce the Renewed Hope Agenda as the party’s guiding framework for governance and national development.
Idris emphasised that the APC remains committed to maintaining unity within its ranks despite the diversity of opinions among its members.
He added that all committees set up to oversee the convention had completed their assignments and put operational systems in place to guarantee smooth coordination throughout the event.
“All arrangements have been concluded for a smooth, transparent and credible convention at the Eagle Square,” Idris said.
Chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, also expressed confidence that the exercise would proceed without disruptions.
Masari noted that the party had adhered to its zoning arrangement in allocating positions to various regions of the country.
“APC is a responsible political party, and in line with the federal character principle, party offices have been zoned,” he said.
“If a position is zoned to a particular region, members from other zones are expected to respect that arrangement.”
He added that the 25 sub-committees created to organise the convention had reported satisfactory progress in their preparations.
Masari also stated that the party had not been formally served with any court process relating to disputes over the convention.
However, concerns have been raised by some party members who claim they were excluded from contesting certain positions.
A party chieftain, Fubara Dagogo, recently filed a complaint at the Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba on March 25.
Dagogo said he had met all requirements to contest the position, including payment of N5.1 million for the nomination form.
Despite his grievance, he said he would explore internal party mechanisms to resolve the dispute rather than seeking a court injunction to stop the convention.
“Inasmuch as one may feel displeased, the party’s internal mechanism remains key to resolving conflicts,” he said.
Another member, Paul Oyiborume, has also raised similar concerns, although he has yet to initiate legal action.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the APC National Convention Appeals Committee and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, said the party was fully prepared to address any issues that might arise during the exercise.
“We do not foresee any serious problem, but we remain prepared for any situation that may arise,” Kefas said after a committee meeting on Thursday night.
“With the preparations completed so far, we are confident that the convention will be hitch-free.”
The convention has already sparked a surge in economic activity across the Federal Capital Territory as delegates and party supporters arrive in large numbers.
Hotels and guest houses across Abuja have recorded high patronage, with major facilities such as Transcorp Hilton, NICON Luxury Hotel, Hotel Continental and Reiz Hotel fully booked ahead of the event.
Budget hotels charging between N50,000 and N80,000 per night have also reported increased demand, forcing some visitors to seek accommodation outside the city centre.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed civil servants working in offices located within the Federal Secretariat Complex to work from home today to ease movement during the convention.
In a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, access roads around the Federal Secretariat Phases I, II and III will be closed between March 27 and March 28 due to the use of Eagle Square for the event.
Officials said the measure was necessary to manage traffic and security during the large political gathering.
At Eagle Square, workers were seen putting finishing touches to decorations, while banners welcoming delegates have been mounted along major roads leading to the venue.
Party leaders say the convention will not only produce new executives but also set the stage for the APC’s political strategy as preparations gradually intensify for the next general elections.
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