By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a pivotal moment that will highlight the party’s unity, democratic maturity, and commitment to national development.
Speaking on Thursday at the APC World Media Briefing held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Idris said the party’s 8th National Convention, scheduled for March 27–28, 2026, will bring together thousands of delegates from across Nigeria to shape the future direction of the ruling party.
He noted that the convention goes beyond routine political activity, serving as a platform for reflection, consolidation, and strategic planning.
“The convention is not just a routine exercise, but a moment of reflection, consolidation, and planning. It represents our collective resolve to strengthen democratic values, deepen internal governance, and align party processes with national development priorities,” Idris said.
The convention, themed “Unity in Progress Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is expected to reinforce the party’s alignment with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Idris emphasized that the APC has evolved into a broad-based political platform capable of accommodating diverse interests while maintaining cohesion and a shared purpose. According to him, the party’s resilience across electoral cycles underscores its continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
He further stated that the APC has consistently demonstrated the ability to manage leadership transitions in an orderly and structured manner, supported by systems that promote inclusiveness, accountability, and stakeholder participation.
The Minister assured Nigerians and the international community that all logistical and operational arrangements have been concluded to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible convention at Eagle Square.
“As the convention approaches, the APC reaffirms its unity and collective responsibility. This gathering will showcase our commitment to democratic ideals, organisational discipline, and inclusive decision-making,” he added.
Idris also commended President Tinubu for his role in founding and strengthening the party, as well as for advancing inclusive governance and progressive reforms.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the APC 2026 National Convention Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, disclosed that a total of 8,453 delegates are expected to participate in the exercise.
Masari highlighted the importance of the party’s zoning arrangement, noting that positions are distributed across regions in line with federal character principles. He warned against attempts by aspirants to contest positions outside their designated zones, cautioning that such moves could create internal tension.
“If positions are zoned to a particular region and individuals from outside those zones attempt to contest, it raises concerns about intentions and could be seen as efforts to destabilise the party,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the APC remains a disciplined and structured organisation, with internal mechanisms that ensure fairness and balance.
On funding, Masari explained that the party operates a “self-adjusting” budgeting system that aligns expenditures with available resources.
He dismissed claims of unpaid obligations, assuring stakeholders that all commitments related to the convention would be honoured.
“This party is a very responsible party. Nobody is being owed as far as this convention is concerned, and we do not intend to owe anyone after the event,” he stated.
The APC convention is expected to elect new party leaders and set the tone for its political strategy ahead of future electoral cycles.
