President Bola Tinubu, members of his cabinet, 32 state governors, and over 8,000 delegates are gathering in Abuja on Friday and Saturday for the national convention of the All Progressives Congress.
The event is taking place at Eagle Square, where party leaders and members from across the country are expected to decide on new leadership and discuss key issues ahead of future elections.
The convention, which is holding in the Federal Capital Territory, will bring together party officials from national, zonal, state, and ward levels. It is aimed at electing new executives and setting the direction of the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed details of the gathering during a media briefing in Abuja. He explained that thousands of delegates from all 36 states and the FCT are expected to take part in the exercise. According to him, the convention will serve as a platform for decision-making, leadership transition, and reviewing the party’s progress so far.
Other top government officials and party leaders are also attending the event, including ministers and presidential aides. The convention theme focuses on unity and continuity within the party, as members look to strengthen their structure and align with ongoing government policies.
Officials in charge of planning the convention said all arrangements have been completed to ensure a smooth process. Committees set up for the event have concluded their assignments, with efforts made to avoid disruption during the gathering.
The chairman of the convention’s coordinating committee, Aminu Masari, said the party followed its zoning arrangement in allocating positions. He also stated that there were no known legal issues affecting the event at the moment.
Despite this, some party members raised concerns over exclusion from internal contests. One of them, Fubara Dagogo, complained about being left out of a recent zonal congress despite meeting the requirements. However, he said he would seek resolution through the party’s internal process rather than going to court.
Ahead of the convention, the Federal Government directed workers in parts of the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home. This was due to road closures around the venue, which will last from Friday to Saturday to manage movement and security.
The directive affects offices within Phases I, II, and III of the Secretariat, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Authorities said the move is necessary because of the large number of people expected in the area.
As the event approaches, hotels and guesthouses in Abuja have been filled with delegates and party members arriving from different parts of the country. Many accommodations, including top hotels, are fully booked, while others outside the city centre are also experiencing high demand.
The convention is expected to shape the party’s leadership and plans as it prepares for upcoming political activities across the country.