By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved decisively toward its most consequential internal gathering in years, unveiling a sweeping web of heavyweight committees packed with Governors, Federal power brokers and security figures to steer its 2026 National Convention.
The announcement in Abuja did more than outline logistics.
It revealed the political architecture that will control screening, voting, disputes, security and messaging effectively determining who rises or falls inside the party hierarchy.
APC informed that the structure reads like a map of influence ahead of the next electoral cycle.
At the inauguration of the National Central Coordinating Committee, the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, framed the convention not just as a routine gathering but as a statement of strength and internal cohesion.
According to him, “a Convention like ours, is not merely a gathering, It is the affirmation of our democratic values, celebration of our internal democracy and a demonstration to Nigerians that APC remains the most organised, forward looking and the most viable political party anybody will stand election in Nigeria.”
Projecting confidence, the APC leadership pointed to recent by-election outcomes as validation of its grassroots reach and electoral capacity. Yilwatda said, “That can clearly be seen by all the by-election conducted last year and this year.”
Reeling out figures to counter opposition claims, he added, “just last weekend, the FCT election, we did 5 over 6. And the by-election that produced two house of assembly in Kano 2, and in Rivers we did 4 over 4 for the APC. And out of 65 councilors, we had 45. So it demonstrate the capacity of our party to deliver. And it shut down all the noise from the opposition.”
He dismissed suggestions of rival coalitions gaining ground, insisting that “there is no presence of the so-called coalition in all the states that the elections were conducted.”
The APC chairman placed significant weight on the leadership of the committee, singling out former Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, for his experience and credibility.
“I am particularly delighted that we have a statesman of the highest order leading this committee… He is bringing into this assignment decades of experience and unquestionable integrity, and a deep understanding of party administration,” he said.
Describing the convention as a milestone, Yilwatda told members, “Today will mark another moment in the progressive journey of our great party… it is with immense pride and joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you to inaugurate this all important committee.”
He charged the committee to deliver a process that reflects the stature of a ruling party. “You have been called upon to plan and deliver a Convention that would be transparent, inclusive, credible, befitting of a ruling party of great stature like the APC.”
Urging discipline and urgency, he said, “I charge you all to rise above partisan interest and personal sentiment… Time is of the essence. And I expect nothing short of excellence from each and everyone of you.”
Declaring the process underway, the chairman concluded, “With this words… It is my honour to say I hereby declare the APC National Convention 2026.””
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the National Central Coordinating Committee, Bello Masari issued a stern call for discipline, unity and constitutional order as the party prepares for the national convention.
Masari struck a more measured tone, emphasising process, fairness and unity as the pillars for success.
“We must approach this assignment with maturity, fairness and strict adherence to the party’s constitution and guidelines,” he said.
He added that, “our objectives will be to conduct a civil and free convention that will strengthen and unify our party in order to reinforce confidence in the party’s internal mechanism.”
Masari pledged coordination with party organs and a commitment to collective responsibility. “We shall work closely with the National Working Committee and all relevant organs… That this committee will deliver its mandate with impartiality and collective responsibility. We will consult widely. And act decisively in the overall interest of the party.”
Warning against internal divisions, he noted, “We must ensure discipline in our internal affairs and we must ensure the ambition of others do not lead to the destruction of the party.”
He stressed the broader implications of the exercise, saying, “a successful convention will not only lead to our success but unite our party, the APC.”
Expressing gratitude for the confidence reposed in the committee, Masari acknowledged party leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the team accepts the responsibility with “great sense of duty and commitment to the ideals and aspirations of our party.”
He also recognised key figures within the committee, including Anyim Pius Anyim, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Hope Uzodimma and Mai Mala Buni, as well as elder statesman Bisi Akande, whose foundational role in the party he described as invaluable.
Beyond formalities, Masari framed the convention as a moment of reckoning for the party’s future direction. “The national convention of a political party is not merely a statutory requirement but a defining moment… a platform for reflection, consolidation and renewal.”
He concluded by underscoring the task ahead: “The task before the committee is therefore clear… to coordinate all activities leading to a peaceful, credible and successful 2026 national convention.”
At the heart of the convention is the Aspirants’ Screening Committee, chaired by Ekiti Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, with Kogi Governor Usman Ododo and former Senate President Ken Nnamani as key figures.
This panel will decide who qualifies to contest often the most decisive phase of any party convention.
An Appeal Committee led by Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru, with National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje playing a supervisory role, stands ready to handle disputes expected to follow.
The Election Committee effectively the referees is headed by former Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari, joined by former SGF Anyim Pius Anyim, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani and Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Should controversy erupt, the Election Appeal Committee chaired by Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas with Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will intervene.
Party said the mix deliberately balances rival blocs to prevent accusations of bias.
Security arrangements fall to retired military chief Christopher Musa, Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu signalling the party expects massive attendance and intense political stakes.
Finance is controlled by Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Finance Minister Wale Edun, giving the treasury to trusted economic managers.
Media messaging goes to Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni alongside Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi, a sign the party plans a tightly managed public narrative.
Ceremonial arrangements will be overseen by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, while Borno Governor Babagana Zulum leads delegate accreditation, a crucial role that determines voting legitimacy.
Accommodation and transport often decisive in delegate mobilisation will be coordinated by Works Minister David Umahi, former Zamfara Governor AbdulAziz Yari, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan and former party chairman Adams Oshiomhole.
Legal disputes go to Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi and senior party lawyers, while health coverage will be handled by Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris and Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate.
Officially, the party said the committees exist to ensure transparency and internal democracy.
Unofficially, the composition tells a deeper story: nearly every major political tendency inside the APC has been assigned responsibility, a classic power-balancing strategy to prevent post-convention rebellion.
With Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers and security figures embedded across the structure, the party is building a self-policing convention designed to withstand legal, political and public scrutiny.
The APC urged Committee members to act within its constitution and guidelines, promising Nigerians a credible convention that strengthens party democracy.
But within political circles, one conclusion is clear: The convention is not just a meeting, it is the staging ground where alliances will be tested, ambitions filtered and the party’s future leadership quietly decided long before the first ballot is counted.
