8,453 delegates land in Abuja as APC set for national convention

…We’re ready for a credible exercise – Idris, Masari

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its readiness for its national convention scheduled to begin on Friday (today) and end on Saturday (tomorrow) in Abuja with 8,453 delegates expected to participate in the exercise.

Some delegates, who spoke to BusinessDay in separate telephone interviews, confirmed their arrival in Abuja ahead of the convention, signalling strong turnout for the party’s crucial gathering.

However, some of the delegates noted that they were still on their way to the capital city, due to flight delays.

Briefing journalists on Thursday, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and Co-Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for the convention, said all Committees set up for the event had concluded their assignments, with operational systems fully activated to ensure coordination, efficiency, and order.

He described the Convention, themed “Unity and Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” as a major milestone in the party’s development.

According to him, the APC has continued to evolve as a political institution, demonstrating resilience and adaptability across electoral cycles and leadership transitions.

Idris noted that the gathering would also provide an opportunity to highlight achievements under President Bola Tinubu and reinforce the party’s policy direction and governance agenda.

He confirmed that delegates from all 36 States of the Federation are expected at the Convention.

The minister, however, declined to disclose the total budget for the event, explaining that the party operates a flexible financial system designed to meet its obligations without incurring debt.

Similarly, Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the APC Central Coordination Committee and former Katsina State governor, said preparations for the Convention began months ago, adding that the party is now ready for the exercise.

He noted that the process started with local government and state-level engagements before the inauguration of a central committee, which coordinated about 25 sub-committees.

Masari expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness, stressing that all arrangements had been put in place for a smooth, transparent, and credible convention.

He added that the exercise is aimed at strengthening the party and deepening democratic practice in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, state party chairmen, and other key stakeholders are expected to attend.