Tinubu Arrives at APC National Convention as Party Elects New Leadership

President Bola Tinubu arrived at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Friday evening for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, where the party is set to elect a new National Chairman and other national officers.

The President arrived around 8:10 pm, about three hours after the scheduled time indicated in the convention programme. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas were among the dignitaries who had arrived earlier.

The convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is the party’s fourth elective national convention since the APC was formed in 2013.

The party held its first convention in Lagos in 2014, electing John Odigie-Oyegun as its inaugural National Chairman. Adams Oshiomhole took over in 2018, serving until 2020 when the National Executive Committee was dissolved and replaced with a caretaker committee.

In March 2022, Senator Abdullahi Adamu was elected National Chairman. He resigned in July 2023 following reported disagreements with the presidency. He was succeeded by former Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned in June 2025 amid internal party conflicts. Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Dalori took over in an acting capacity before Nentawe Yilwatda assumed the position last year.

Friday’s convention is expected to produce a full slate of National Working Committee officers, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairmen, and National Secretary.

The event follows guidelines set by the Electoral Act 2022 and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which mandate periodic conventions to ensure internal democracy. Accredited delegates from across the country began arriving at Eagle Square as early as 9:00 am, while governors, National Assembly members, and party leaders arrived between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

The programme includes goodwill messages from various groups, a presidential address, and remarks from government officials on reform initiatives.

After the official opening ceremony, convention activities including the dissolution of party executives and the voting process will commence, with results and an acceptance speech expected later in the night.