Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress is expected to retain Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Dr. Ajibola Basiru as national chairman and national secretary at its upcoming national convention, as party leaders push for continuity within the National Working Committee.
Senior party officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said about 20 current officeholders are seeking re-election and are engaging governors and other stakeholders ahead of the March 27–28 convention.
Deputy National Organizing Secretary Nze Duru said party leaders have adopted a consensus arrangement to promote unity, reduce disputes and ensure a smooth convention.
The party has completed ward and local government congresses in most parts of the country, except in a few states where the process was postponed. The national convention in March will culminate in the election of NWC members.
The Convention Planning Committee, chaired by former Katsina State governor Aminu Masari, will oversee the exercise.
Under Article 17 of the party’s constitution (March 2022, as amended), officials serve four-year terms and may be re-elected once. Most current NWC members were elected in August 2023, while Yilwatda assumed office in July 2025.
A party source said President Bola Tinubu favors retaining both Yilwatda and Basiru.
“If the president does not change his mind, it is highly likely that these two individuals will retain their positions,” the source said, adding that discussions on other offices are ongoing.
Another source said earlier concerns about Basiru’s retention due to regional considerations have eased, noting that party leaders now support his continuation after serving since 2023.
Duru said retaining both officials would not be out of place if it reflects the party’s consensus.
“You cannot find better individuals to occupy those offices,” he said, adding that the consensus approach would minimize friction.
“We conducted our congresses through consensus, which is cheaper and easier to coordinate. All offices will be filled by consensus at the convention,” Duru said.
Meanwhile, the party has scheduled the inauguration of its 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee for Wednesday at its national secretariat in Abuja.
In a statement, National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the inauguration is part of preparations for the convention.
Masari will chair the committee, with former Senate President Pius Anyim as vice chairman. Kwara State Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will serve as vice chairman, while Imo State Gov. Hope Uzodimma will serve as treasurer. Yobe State Gov. Mai Mala Buni will act as secretary.
Separately, Yilwatda said the establishment of the Progressive Institute reflects Tinubu’s vision of building a premier political institution.
He said the institute will focus on policy research, leadership development, intra-party governance training and election capacity building, while serving as the institutional memory of the party.
Director-General and Secretary of the council, Lanre Adebayo, said the institute remains committed to supporting the party’s objectives.
