Tinubu’s 2nd term, others for debate as APC fixes March for convention

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed its national convention—the highest decision-making organ of the party—for March 25 to March 28, 2026, with far-reaching decisions expected to emerge from the gathering. The schedule was contained in a notice issued yesterday in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, who also unveiled timelines […]

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed its national convention—the highest decision-making organ of the party—for March 25 to March 28, 2026, with far-reaching decisions expected to emerge from the gathering.

The schedule was contained in a notice issued yesterday in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, who also unveiled timelines for ward, local government, state and zonal congresses ahead of the convention.

One of the highlights of the 2025/2026 schedule of activities in the notice is the commencement of electronic membership registration on January 30, signalling the party’s intention to clean up and update its membership database ahead of the 2027 contests.

Although the official details of the convention has not been released, Daily Trust gathered from party top sources that deliberations will centre on critical issues, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected bid for a second term in 2027.

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The decision for the national convention followed the conclusion of meetings of the APC National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) held last week at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Earlier in May this year, APC stakeholders at a party summit in Abuja had passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and adopted him as the party’s preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election. However, the party has since clarified that the adoption does not foreclose internal competition.

Barely three months after the endorsement by the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, federal lawmakers and other key stakeholders, the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said the party would allow other aspirants to contest its presidential ticket.

Argungu disclosed that expression of interest and nomination forms would be made available for purchase by any party member willing to challenge the president for the ticket. However, President Tinubu is yet to officially declare for re-election.

Speaking to Daily Trust in a telephone interview yesterday, the APC National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, described the forthcoming convention as exceptional, noting that it could shape the party’s political direction ahead of 2027.

“This is one convention that is different from other conventions, in the sense that the fate of the president may be decided there,” Ibrahim said.

“The party is very happy and satisfied with the performance of the president. Now, the president has the backing of the constitution to contest for a second time,” he added

Ibrahim said while the president is free to decide whether or not to run, the APC would not compel him. He noted, however, that if  President Tinubu chooses to contest, any challenger would be facing an incumbent president with strong party support.

Beyond the presidency, Ibrahim said the convention would also address several internal party issues, particularly leadership positions, as many office holders would have completed their mandatory terms by then.

“These are issues that can only be decided at the convention,” he said, adding that the gathering could also fix timelines for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Since the emergence of President Tinubu as leader of the party, the APC has enjoyed rancour-free processes. His body language is towards consensus and win-win arrangements,” he said.

Party sources hinted that the convention would also ratify the appointment of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, by the NEC.

Daily Trust reports that Yilwatda emerged national chairman on July 24, 2025, during the party’s 14th NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on June 27 under controversial circumstances.

Yilwatda, a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and ex-APC governorship candidate in Plateau State, formally assumed office shortly after his emergence, but pundits say his appointment is subject to ratification at the next convention.

A member of the APC Constitution Review Committee (2022), Barrister Bashir Maidugu, said Yilwatda’s emergence was in line with Article 13.3(ii) of the APC Constitution, which empowers the NEC to discharge the functions of the national convention between conventions.

Maidugu explained that decisions taken by the NEC are constitutionally binding, with ratification by the national convention largely a procedural requirement.

“Whatever convention that will be held at whatever time, and whatever decision that was taken by NEC, the required ratification by convention has to be done at the next convention.

“The ratification is just a formality, because the NEC represents the brain of the party. It is very unusual for a convention to turn down the decision of NEC,” he said.

Maidugu added that while ratification is mandatory, it is meant to fulfil constitutional provisions rather than reopen settled decisions, stressing that the convention would be required to ratify Yilwatda’s appointment by NEC.

Insiders further disclosed that the convention would deliberate on the growing wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC,

APC convention: strategies for managing anticipated challenges during party primaries, and reconciliation efforts within the party. The convention is also expected to review strategies for retaining Ekiti State, reclaiming Osun State in the 2026 governorship elections, and strengthening the party’s electoral machinery ahead of 2027 contests.

According to the notice signed by Bashiru, APC ward congresses will hold on February 18, local government congresses on February 20, state congresses on March 7, and zonal congresses on March 21, 2026.