After hours of deliberations, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its 8th National Convention, returning Nentawe Yilwatda as the party’s National Chairman.
Yilwatda, alongside Surajudeen Basiru as National Secretary and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), emerged through a consensus arrangement ratified by delegates at the convention. Felix Morka was announced as National Publicity Secretary, while Dayo Israel retained his position as Youth Leader.
The Convention Election Committee confirmed the new NWC members during the 4th Elective National Convention held at Eagle Square in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda described his re-election as a call to duty. “We are ready to serve, ready to lead, and we are ready to build the party, together with the nation, with you,” he said, assuring members that the leadership would not “fail, falter” in its responsibilities.
The convention drew key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Assembly leaders, APC governors, and thousands of delegates.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu said Nigeria remains on the path of progress despite prevailing challenges. “We knew rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions. But we also knew that no nation rises by hiding from the truth,” he said.
He added, “we are on the right track. Investor confidence has greatly improved. Our oil and gas sector has once more become attractive to foreign investment following our reforms. Our Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 400%, and Nigeria has exited the financial ‘grey list’, marking a return to global financial credibility.”
On power supply concerns, the president assured Nigerians of improvements. “I assure you, many of you lamenting the problem of electricity and power; we are paying attention to that. Electricity will become better, and we assure you there will be opportunities and progress in our industrialisation.”
He also commended Nigerian youths, describing them as not “only the future of Nigeria; you are our hope for a more glorious and assured future”.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, said the administration’s reforms were laying the groundwork for economic stability. “Through difficult but necessary reforms, he has demonstrated vision, resolve, and uncommon foresight. Today, the foundation for a more stable, productive, and prosperous economy is being firmly laid,” he said.
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, also pointed to improving economic indicators. “The economy is improving. Growth has strengthened, doubling from 2% previously before your administration, now at the rate of 4% per annum (though it is still not enough),” he said, adding that “stability is returning, confidence is rebuilding, and the giant has reawakened.”
Chairman of the APC National Convention Planning Committee, Bello Masari, expressed confidence in the party’s strength ahead of future elections. “In terms of popularity, APC is number one, whatever the permutations,” he said, adding, “As a party, we are not afraid. We are very ready.”
Masari also urged proper accountability across all levels of government. “The problem in Nigeria is that we don’t situate problems where they belong. Certain problems are local and belong to the local government; others are federal in nature, but you lump them all on the head of the President,” he said.
