Yilwatda emerges as APC chairman, Basiru named secretary

The All Progressives Congress has ushered in a new leadership team following its 4th Elective National Convention held in Abuja on Friday night.

At the convention, Nentawe Yilwatda was elected as the party’s National Chairman, while Surajudeen Basiru emerged as the National Secretary.

The announcement was made by the Convention Election Committee, which disclosed that several key positions within the party were filled through a consensus arrangement, a move often used to maintain unity and avoid internal disputes.

The high-profile gathering, held at Eagle Square, was attended by top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

The convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” was organised by a planning committee chaired by former Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim.

The event marks a significant moment for the ruling party as it seeks to consolidate its internal structures and strengthen its political base ahead of future electoral contests.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has, in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, intensified efforts to strengthen its internal structures and consolidate party unity through strategic leadership arrangements.

National conventions have traditionally served as critical platforms for reaffirming party direction, resolving internal disputes, and positioning the party for upcoming electoral contests.

Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC has prioritised cohesion and continuity, particularly as it seeks to defend its mandate amid growing political realignments and opposition manoeuvres.

The adoption of consensus arrangements in party congresses and conventions reflects a broader strategy aimed at minimising internal friction and projecting a united front.

It is within this context that the emergence of Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman and Surajudeen Basiru as National Secretary underscores the party’s efforts to stabilise its leadership structure and reinforce its “Renewed Hope” agenda ahead of the 2027 polls.