GROUNDREAKING: 32 Governors, over 8,400 Delegates Converge on Abuja for APC Convention

No fewer than 32 governors and over 8,400 delegates have arrived in Abuja ahead of the national convention of the All-Progressives Congress, setting the stage for a major gathering expected to reshape the party’s leadership and direction.

Party officials said the convention, scheduled to hold from March 27 to 28, will bring together representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to elect new executives and review key policies guiding the ruling party.

At a pre-convention briefing, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the scale of participation, stating, “We are expecting a total number of 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.”

He described the convention as a defining moment for the party, adding that it would serve not only as a platform for leadership elections but also for broader engagement on policy and direction.

“This convention will bring together delegates for policy engagement, leadership elections, and decision-making. It is also a moment of consolidation and direction-setting for the next phase of our journey as a party,” he said.

Idris further assured that all logistical and operational arrangements had been concluded, noting that “all committees have finalised their assignments,” with systems put in place to ensure “coordination, efficiency, and order” throughout the exercise.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Convention Central Coordination Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness, saying the process had been meticulously planned over several weeks.

“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,” he said.

The convention, themed “Unity and Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is expected to highlight achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while reinforcing the party’s policy direction ahead of future political contests.

Delegates who spoke ahead of the event confirmed their arrival in Abuja, although some reported minor travel delays, underscoring the scale and nationwide mobilisation for the gathering.

The high-level turnout signals the significance of the convention for the ruling party, as it seeks to consolidate internal cohesion and chart its course in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.