By Mercy Peter
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will underscore the party’s unity, democratic maturity, and commitment to advancing national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Idris made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the APC World Media Briefing held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, ahead of the party’s 8th National Convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026.
Idris described the convention as a defining moment for the party, noting that it would convene thousands of delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to elect leaders, review policies, and chart a strategic direction for the party’s future.
He said,“The convention is not just a routine exercise, but a moment of reflection, consolidation, and planning. It represents our collective resolve to strengthen democratic values, deepen internal governance, and align party processes with national development priorities,”
The convention, themed “Unity in Progress – Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is expected to reinforce the APC’s alignment with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Minister, the APC has continued to evolve as a broad-based political platform capable of accommodating diverse interests while maintaining cohesion and a unified purpose. He added that the party’s resilience across electoral cycles reflects its enduring relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Idris stressed that the APC has consistently demonstrated the capacity to manage leadership transitions in an orderly and structured manner, supported by systems that encourage inclusiveness, accountability, and stakeholder participation.
The Minister also disclosed that all logistical and operational arrangements had been concluded for a smooth and transparent convention at the Eagle Square.
He assured both Nigerians and the international community that the exercise would meet global democratic standards, emphasizing discipline, organisation, and adherence to established norms.
“As the convention approaches, the APC reaffirms its unity and collective responsibility. This gathering will showcase our commitment to democratic ideals, organisational discipline, and inclusive decision-making,” Idris stated.
Idris also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his role in founding and strengthening the APC, as well as for his leadership in advancing inclusive governance and progressive reforms.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to building a united and prosperous Nigeria anchored on accountability, inclusiveness, and clear developmental priorities.
The APC 2026 national convention committee chairman, Aminu Bello Masari provided further insights into the structure and expectations of the convention, revealing that a total of 8,453 delegates are expected to participate.
Masari underscored the importance of the party’s zoning arrangement, explaining that offices are distributed along zonal lines in line with federal character principles.
He cautioned against attempts by individuals to contest positions outside their designated zones, warning that such actions could create unnecessary tension within the party.
“If positions are zoned to a particular region and individuals from outside those zones attempt to contest, it raises concerns about intentions and could be seen as efforts to destabilise the party,” he said.
He also added that APC remains a disciplined and structured organisation, noting that its internal framework ensures fairness and balance across regions.
Masari stated that the party operates a “self-adjusting” budgeting system that aligns expenditures with available resources.
He dismissed claims of unpaid obligations, assuring stakeholders that no individual or group involved in the convention is being owed.
“This party is a very responsible party. Nobody is being owed as far as this convention is concerned, and we do not intend to owe anyone after the event,” he affirmed.
