By DEJI ABDULWAHAB

The Media and Publicity Committee of the 2026 National Convention of All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured that the party’s upcoming national convention will meet high standard.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Co-chairman of the committee and Minister of Information and National Orientation, who gave the assurance at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, said a total of 8,453 delegates would participate in the convention.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party’s Eight National Convention is scheduled for March 27 and March 28 in Abuja.

“We are expecting a total number of 8,453 delegates. This is the number of delegates we are expecting to come from across all the 36 states of the federation to Abuja.

“The convention hopes to bring together delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for policy engagement, leadership elections and a formal transition to a new set of party executives.

“It is also presenting both decision-making platforms and a moment of reflection, consolidation and direction-setting for the next phase of our journey,” he said.

Idris assured Nigerians, and indeed the entire world, that the convention and its proceedings would meet the high standards expected of a responsible and mature political institution.

“All arrangements have therefore been concluded for a smooth, transparent and credible convention at the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja, as stated in the official notices that we have provided.

“All the committees that have been set up by the party have finalised assignments and operational systems are set to ensure smooth coordination, efficiency and order.

“Every detail has been attended to, so that the convention proceeds without avoidable disruption.

“This is not just a routine political exercise. It is a demonstration of the APC’s commitment to democratic practice, organisational discipline and collective decision-making.

“It is a clear sign of the party’s maturity as a responsible political institution,” the committee co-chair said.

He reaffirms APC’s unity, cohesion and collective responsibility which, he said, were essential to the party’s growth and relevance.

According to him, APC is united in purpose and focused on strengthening its foundation and advancing its ideals for the nation.

“The party will continue to display discipline that it is known for and respect for democratic norms which is actually at the foundation of the party itself.

“This is the face of a party that is ready to lead and engage constructively, both at home and abroad. And I want to say that the APC is ready for its convention,” he said.

The minister said that APC remained grateful to its leader, President Bola Tinubu, not only for his indellible contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, but also for his pivotal role in the founding and growth of the party.

“We recognise and salute his tireless work in fortifying our big political tent, giving every party member a sense of belonging, steering the ship of the state with visionary policies and providing bold, democratic and progressive direction for Nigeria, for Africa and also for the black race,” he said.

Idris said that the briefing was aimed at sharing the purpose, readiness and values behind the momentous event.

The minister, who gave the theme of the convention as: “Unity in Progress, Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda”, said it was not just a slogan but a ‘concise statement of who we are, where we have come from and where we intend to go’.

The theme, according to him, also aims at aligning internal party processes with the country’s broader governance vision and projecting continuity, cohesion and clarity of purpose.

“Let me briefly walk through what this convention represents, why it matters and how the party has fully prepared for it.

“As you all know, APC was founded on the idea that diverse progressive forces could unite for national development, for democratic values and also for inclusive governance.

“From the start, the party has been a platform for reform, national cohesion and for purposeful leadership.

“That founding vision matters today because it provides the compass that guides our actions and the decisions we take collectively. Over the years, APC has grown and has also adapted,” he stated.

The minister said APC remained a leading political force through multiple electoral circles and complex national moments.

According to him, through every turn, the party has kept its focus, stability, progress and governance. This resilience is a source of strength for the party and for our country as a whole.

“One of the clearest tests of a mature party is how it manages change. Through past conventions and leadership transitions, APC has demonstrated its ability to manage change in a structured, orderly manner.

“Over time, the APC has strengthened its internal governance. Clear rules, accountability and broad stakeholder participation are now embedded in our processes.

“This gives us a more stable and predictable structure. We are better able to handle growth, diversity and the high expectations of Nigerians,” he said.

The minister said that the forthcoming national convention marks another milestone in the party’s journey, reflecting both the continuity of its values and the renewal of its leadership.

“It offers an opportunity to highlight the party’s achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to show how guiding vision is being transformed into tangible outcomes for Nigerians,” he said.

The committee co-chair said that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda remained very central, as it guides policy direction, national development and engagement with Nigerians’ aspirations.

“The convention is therefore also an opportunity to deepen this agenda within our leadership and institutional structure, ensuring that the party and government remain aligned in purpose.

“APC will continue to be a broad-based political platform, accommodating diverse perspectives while maintaining unity of purpose.

“That diversity is not a weakness. It is indeed a strength, anchoring commitment to progress and national development,” he said. (NAN)

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