… Offices zoned on Fed character basis – Masari
ABUJA: The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that 8,453 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will converge in Abuja for the party’s 2026 National Convention, underscoring the scale and significance of the event.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Co-chairman of the convention’s Media and Publicity Committee and Minister of Information and National Orientation, at a press briefing in the nation’s capital.
He assured Nigerians that the convention would be conducted to the highest standard, reflecting the APC’s organisational discipline and commitment to democratic practice.
Scheduled for March 27 and 28 at the iconic Eagle Square, the convention will host delegates for policy deliberations, leadership elections, and the formal transition to a new set of party executives. Idris said the gathering also represents a moment for reflection, consolidation, and direction-setting for the next phase of the party’s journey.
“All arrangements have been concluded to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible convention,” he said.
“Operational systems are in place to coordinate all committees and ensure efficiency, order, and accountability throughout the event.”
The convention, themed, “Unity in Progress, Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is designed not only to set the party’s internal course but also to align with the country’s broader governance goals.
Idris stressed that the event will highlight APC’s achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while reinforcing the party’s unity, cohesion, and commitment to inclusive governance.
“The 8,453 delegates are a true reflection of the party’s national reach, diversity, and capacity for collective decision-making. Their participation signals the APC’s readiness to lead, engage constructively, and maintain democratic norms at home and abroad,” he said.
Idris also paid tribute to President Tinubu for his pivotal role in strengthening the party and promoting a sense of belonging among all members.
He described the convention as a milestone in APC’s journey, demonstrating both continuity of leadership and renewal of institutional structures.
With all logistical, security, and operational arrangements finalised, Idris said Nigerians and the international community can expect a well-coordinated, orderly, and historic gathering, cementing the APC’s status as a mature political force.
Meanwhile, the party has assigned its national convention offices to the six geopolitical zones in strict adherence to federal character principles, the party said on Thursday.
Speaking at a news briefing, Alhaji Bello Masari, Chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordination Committee and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, said the zoning formula ensures fairness and prevents disgruntled elements from creating confusion during the convention.
“APC is a responsible, Nigerian party. All offices are zoned in line with federal character. If an office is zoned to one region, aspirants from other zones should not attempt to contest, otherwise it risks creating confusion,” Masari said.
He dismissed claims that some aspirants were denied nomination forms as deliberate attempts to destabilise the party, stressing that APC operates a structured, zonal framework, with all working committees also distributed according to geopolitical zones.
Masari added that the party had not been served with any court processes regarding aggrieved aspirants and remained confident that its processes were transparent and credible.
“The central coordinating committee started its work about three weeks ago, supported by 25 subcommittees covering all areas.
Preparations began months ago with ward, local government, and state congresses. So far, we are satisfied with all that has been done,” he said.
Masari reaffirmed that the APC was ready to set the pace for a more durable and reliable democratic process in Nigeria and across Africa.
“We are the leaders of what we have started, and the convention will reflect the party’s commitment to democracy, unity, and proper governance,” he said.
With the convention scheduled to commence on Friday, Masari assured Nigerians and observers that APC was fully prepared for a smooth, credible, and historic gathering.
