APC Set to Host 8,453 Delegates for 8th National Convention in Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed that a total of 8,453 delegates will participate in its 2026 and 8th National Convention, scheduled to take place from Friday, March 27 to Saturday, March 28 in Abuja. This major political gathering is designed as a critical decision-making and policy engagement platform, bringing together representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to elect new executives, review party policies, and chart the strategic direction for the APC's future.
Minister Idris Announces Details at Press Conference
At a World Press Conference organized by the party's Media and Publicity Committee on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, provided key insights into the event. He stated, "We are expecting a total number of 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory." Idris emphasized that the convention's theme, "Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda," reflects the party's unwavering commitment to cohesion and continuity. According to him, this convention is not merely a forum for leadership elections but also a pivotal moment for reflection, consolidation, and planning the party's future trajectory.
Logistics and Security Measures in Place
Idris assured that all necessary arrangements have been meticulously finalized to ensure a smooth and transparent event. He noted that committees responsible for logistics, coordination, and operations have completed their assignments, while robust security measures have been implemented to safeguard all delegates. "We have not recorded any incidents, and by God's grace, we will not record any incidents throughout this convention," Idris confidently declared. Regarding funding, the minister explained that the final budget is still being completed but is designed with flexibility in mind. "We are still working on the budget and it has a self-adjusting mechanism that will accommodate what we have, and once it is finalised, it will be made public," he added. He also highlighted President Bola Tinubu's commitment to revamping national infrastructure, noting that ongoing road and facility improvements will benefit both delegates and the general public.
Central Coordination Committee Expresses Confidence
Also speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the party's 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, expressed strong confidence in the party's preparedness. "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. Masari highlighted that the APC aims to set a benchmark for internal party democracy, transparency, and organization, reinforcing its dedication to credible processes.
Addressing Concerns Over Leadership Positions
The former Katsina State governor also addressed concerns raised by some aspirants who claimed they were denied forms, explaining that leadership positions are zoned to ensure fairness and equity within the party. According to him, anyone attempting to contest offices outside their allocated zones may be creating unnecessary confusion. "If you go and pay for an office that does not exist within your zone, what are you paying for? Can you pay for something that you don't have? You cannot own something that you don't have," he noted. He further clarified that the party has not received any official court filings on these complaints and remains focused on delivering a credible and orderly convention.
Call for Unity and Transparency
As the countdown to Friday begins, party officials have urged all stakeholders to uphold unity, discipline, and transparency. This collective effort is essential to ensure that the 8th convention of the APC serves as a platform for constructive engagement, effective leadership transition, and continued party growth. The event is poised to be a significant milestone in the APC's journey, with delegates playing a crucial role in shaping the party's future direction and reinforcing its commitment to democratic principles.
