The state congresses by the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday have produced new executives across the country. From Niger to Kaduna, Oyo, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo and Borno, the congress was peaceful.

Newly elected state party chairman Chief Solomon Arenyeka being congratulated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday

•Kebbi

In Kebbi State, the incumbent chairman of the party, Abubakar Muhammad Kana Zuru, has secured another four year term, through a consensus at the state congress in Birnin Kebbi.

Also elected through consensus were 29 other executive members, who retained their positions except three who swapped posts.

The Chairman of the Kebbi Congress deployed from the APC National Secretariat, Abuja, who presided over the process, Modibbo Bello, declared the new executive officials elected after the delegates affirmed them through voice vote.

Bello, who commended the delegates for good conduct, thanked the State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris for providing a conducive environment for clean and robust politicking in the state towards victory for the APC.

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Kana Zuru, pledged absolute loyalty to Governor Idris as leader of the party. He also promised to work for the success of the APC in all forthcoming elections.

Governor Nasir Idris thanked the delegates for their good and peaceful conduct at the Congress, describing it as the best in Nigeria.

He congratulated the new state executive members, asking them to continue to operate as one formidable family.

“You’ve been elected without rancour, everybody has confidence in you. You did it before and I know you can do it again. Come together, work together for the benefit of our people, the Congress today is the best in Nigeria.

“I’m happy you’ve affirmed your loyalty to me and the APC, I’ll continue to do justice to all and consolidate on the achievements recorded to ensure victory for the party at all levels. Give President Tinubu massive votes for continuity as president and myself as the Kebbi Governor,” Idris solicited.

Kebbi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abubakar Sarkin Pawa Dambo, who monitored the congress, said INEC endorsed the process and outcome in entirety.

“I’ve attended Congresses elsewhere, but never witnessed the peaceful nature of today’s congress in Kebbi, no rancour, no weapon.

“We, in the INEC, are 100 percent satisfied. We shall make our report to our National Headquarters, that the Congress in Kebbi has no rival elsewhere,” Dambo remarked.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, who attended the congress, affirmed loyalty and support to Governor Idris, the APC and President Tinubu.

•Oyo

In Oyo, the former Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, emerged as the new chairman of the APC following the party’s state congress at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan.

Adeyemo was officially announced as chairman through a consensus at a state congress, which party leaders described as peaceful. The announcement was made by Mr. Afeez Bolaji Repete, a former National Youth Leader of the party and Secretary of the party’s ad hoc zoning committee, under the supervision of the congress committee constituted by the party’s national leadership in Abuja.

The development confirmed earlier indications that Adeyemo was favoured to lead the party in the state. Prior to the congress, key stakeholders of the party across the 33 local government areas had agreed on a zoning arrangement to ensure inclusiveness and internal balance within the State Executive Committee.

In a statement, the state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olawale Sadare, disclosed that the decision followed extensive consultations among party leaders. He explained that an ad hoc zoning committee was set up to allocate executive positions among the various local government chapters. The committee was chaired by Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, while Mr. Afeez Bolaji Repete served as secretary. Other members included Idris Adeoye, Adesoji Adedeji, Ajiboye Sangogade and Akeem Olatunji.

Speaking shortly after the congress, Sadare described the exercise as the third tier of the party’s congresses, following the ward congress held on February 18 and the local government congress on February 21.

“Today, we just had our state congress, which happens to be the third in the rank of the congresses. Before today, we had the ward congress on February 18, followed by the local government area congress on February 21. So, we rounded it off with the state congress today,” he said.

He noted that the new State Executive Committee members emerged through a consensus and praised party members for their cooperation. “What happened here today is an eloquent testimony to the fact that our party has returned to the path of peace, harmony and tranquillity. Everything went on smoothly,” he stated.

Sadare expressed optimism that the party would secure overwhelming victories in forthcoming elections, attributing the confidence to the unity demonstrated at the congress. “We have our eyes on the ball. By the grace of God, next year, we are going to have an overwhelming victory in all the elections that we are contesting,” he added.

The state congress was supervised by a committee appointed by the national leadership of the APC in Abuja. The congress chairman was identified as Amos Gombe.

He assured journalists that the full list of newly elected state executive members would be made available in due course. Chief Adeyemo hails from Igboho in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. He served as Deputy Governor of Oyo State from 2011 to 2019 under the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi.

•Bayelsa

In Bayelsa, a former member of the House of Representatives in the 8th Assembly, Warman Weri Ogoriba, emerged as the new chairman.

Ogoriba, from Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was elected through a consensus in line with the Electoral Act 2026 at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa.

The other 35 positions on the State Executive Council were also elected through a consensus, as agreed by all party stakeholders.

Ogoriba, in his post-victory remarks, commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his peaceful disposition, which has created a conducive atmosphere for the APC to have a hitch-free congress.

According to him, the state executive is going to work to ensure that the peace that has returned to the party is sustained.

He allayed fears that the APC would be enveloped in crisis after the forthcoming primaries of the party, stressing that the party executive would emphasise the peaceful conduct of the primaries.

He dismissed fears of an opposition party in Bayelsa State, noting that the Bayelsa APC would deliver 100 percent for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 and for all the candidates of the party.

Diri, in his remarks, expressed delight with the presence of all stakeholders of the party at the state congress, declaring that the era of factions in Bayelsa APC has come to an end.

He noted that with the deputy governor, Dr Peter Akpe in Sagbama Local Government Area, David Lyon in Southern Ijaw, Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Sam Ogbuku in Ogbia, Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heinkein Lokpobiri in Ekeremor, Oforji Oboku in Yenagoa, the APC is the party to beat in Bayelsa State.

He expressed optimism that those yet to defect to the APC in the state would do so soon with the prevailing peace and strength of the party.

“We have the crème de la crème of politicians in Bayelsa now in the APC. The APC is now the party to beat. We have the whole structure of governance from the governor to the local government chairman, and that structure is intimidating. Now, we are not even talking of federal agencies. Their own structure alone is solid. I don’t know how the opposition is going to spend money in the state. By the time you add all these structures together, for me, it is to declare President Tinubu, President in 2027. There is nobody who can contest with him.’’

•Niger

In Niger State, Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago described the Congress as the most peaceful and rancour-free exercise.

He also said the outcome shows that the ruling APC is the most formidable political party in the state and in Nigeria, and called for peace, unity among members as the activities towards the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The governor stated this during the affirmation and inauguration ceremony of the new members of the State Working Committee (SWC) at the Government House, Minna, yesterday.

He disclosed that the APC in the state was able to conduct a fair and rancour-free congresses from the ward, local government and state level which is a clear demonstration of the unity that exists in the party.

He noted that the new party officials reflect people’s choices across the 25 local government areas of the state, stressing that, “APC is one family in Niger State. We have conducted ourselves well with the ward, local government and state congresses and with fairness, justice and equity.”

He commended the Congress Committee for overseeing a seamless exercise in the state. He called on dissenting voices to come for dialogue, as the doors are open for such, adding that everybody would be treated equally.

While welcoming interested individuals to join the party, the governor assured decampees of equal rights with existing members.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman, North Central Zone of the party, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, described the ward, local government and state congresses held in the state as a complete success, adding that the new officials were carefully selected through a free, fair and transparent consensus mode as approved by the national body of the party.

He thanked the governor for his sustained efforts in keeping the party’s flag flying in the state.

Also speaking, Senator representing Niger East, Mohammed Sani Musa, and that of Niger North, Abubakar Sani Bello, in their separate remarks, hailed the governor for managing the affairs of the party diligently without any rancour.

The duo said that the successful affirmation of the new APC state executives was an indication that the party is one big family and commended the governor for his infrastructural transformation under the “New Niger Agenda.”

•Ebonyi

In Ebonyi State the 36 State Working Committee members were re-elected unopposed, through a consensus.

The congress took place at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki the state capital.

The consensus arrangement was adopted through a motion moved by the Senator representing Ebonyi North and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Seconded by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Moses Odunwa.

Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, who was re-elected as chairman in his acceptance speech, thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru and other stakeholders of the party in the state for their confidence in the SWC members.

He promised to rally his colleagues to advance, project and protect the interests of the Governor, leaders and members of the party in the state.

Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, and former Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs. Rita Maduagwu, said the consensus arrangement complied with the constitution of the party and APC guidelines for the congress.

Governor Nwifuru while speaking at the event, attributed the success of the event to the peaceful disposition of Nigeria’s leader and the national leader of the APC, President Tinubu.

“I thank our father, President Bola Tinubu, for making this tremendous sacrifice,” he said.

President Tinubu, the Governor observed, is the reason the congress was not fraught or marred by rage, rancour and political resentments.

“It is through him we are enjoying peace and stability today. Without him, this event would not have been possible,” he observed.

He explained that the stakeholders of the party in the state gave nod to the adoption of consensus candidates to eliminate rancour and make the party stronger.

“I commend the leaders of the party for accepting our decision to go by consensus candidates.

“They have made sacrifices and God will give them what is greater than party executive positions”, he said

•Abia

In Abia State, the former Minority leader of the State House of Assembly, Chijioke Chukwu was chosen as chairman; Chidi Avoaja, Secretary, Uche Aguoru, publicity secretary, while the former publicity secretary, Benedict Godson, is now the Assistant Secretary, among others.

Speaking during the Congress, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu said the peaceful nature of the Congress showed that something new had come in political party administration in Abia.

He said the consensus arrangement which allowed leaders of the party at every level to nominate candidates, was an indication that APC has been returned to the people.

“With the Congress concluded, APC is now stronger in Abia State and can now break the wall and ready to win elections.

“Abia is ready for President Bola Tinubu and is ready to give him the votes he is looking for. We are not going to negotiate with anybody for Mr. President to have 25 percent votes in Abia; we have the capacity and capability to give him over 80 percent votes in 2027.

“We don’t have time with anybody or those talking on social media because they have not even put their house in order, until when they do that, then we know what to tell them.”

Speaking further, he said: “But, all I have to say now is that in 2027, we will prove a point, that we have all it takes to win Abia in 2027.

“What we have done today (Tuesday), is not a rally, Abia should get ready. Abia APC rally is coming where the President, his vice and other leaders of the party will come to speak.”

He announced that the Southern political corridor has no other presidential candidate except President Tinubu and called for total support.

The National Organizing Secretary of APC, Donatus Nwamkpa commended Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and other leaders of the party for ensuring the success of the Congress. Nwamkpa said he had no doubt that with such leaders, APC will produce the next Governor in Abia come 2027.

Speaker after speaker commended leaders of the party for the able way they brought all the warring factions of the party together and pledged total support for the new Exco.

The new Chairman of the party thanked all for the confidence reposed in him and his team.

While promising to serve with humility, he gave his words that Abia would become an APC state in 2027.

INEC officials and security personnel monitored the congress.

•Borno

In Borno, Governor Babagana Zulum, addressing party delegates during the congress in Maiduguri declared that those who operate outside the state but surface during election season would not be allowed to govern the state.

He said some persons whom he tagged Abuja politicians, left the state after the last general elections in 2023 but now eager to come home for another round of political activities. He said such politicians would not be acceptable to the people.

“We won’t allow these Abuja politicians. We have been here in Borno working and withering the storms. Some are now coming from outside to contest. We won’t allow them to govern our state,” he insisted. He, however, did not mention the politicians he was referring to.

He also said the APC in Borno would not allow new persons to take over the affairs of the party ahead of others that have made sacrifices for years. He maintained that the APC remains the ruling party in 2027, calling on the party chieftains and members to keep the unity.

He commended his predecessor, now Vice President Kashim Shettima, for building the unity of the party in the state.

He said election and affirmation of new leadership of the party at the state congress gave credence to the existence of oneness in Borno APC.

“What we witnessed here today is the will of God,” he declared. He assured the leadership of his support and cooperation.

The Congress was attended by the former governor of the state, Sen Ali Modu Sheriff, all the National Assembly members and other stakeholders. Bello Ayuba, a former member of the state House of Assembly, was re-elected for another four -year term.

•Edo

In Edo, members of the state executive led by Jarret Tenebe as chairman, were yesterday returned unopposed for a second term in office by delegates from the 192 wards of the state.

At the State Congress held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City and conducted by Chairman of National State Congress Committee for Edo State, Kabiru Ajana, the delegates reelected the Exco members through voice affirmation in a peaceful atmosphere.

Speaking shortly after their reelection, State Chairman of the party, Tenebe, on behalf of the State Executive of the party, endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for second terms in office, citing what it described as their outstanding performance.

He also announced the endorsement of former Edo State Governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, for a second term in the Senate, citing quality representation.

“This unanimous voice affirmation is a call to duty and we are ready to discharge our responsibility and ensure the party continues to put Edo people first, while supporting the governor to sustain his developmental strides in the state.

“It is with profound joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I express my sincere appreciation to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State for the overwhelming confidence reposed in me and other members of the State Executive Committee through our unanimous affirmation at the just-concluded State Congress.

“Reflecting on my journey within our great party, I previously served as Deputy State Chairman during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the APC in Edo State. Throughout that challenging phase, the unwavering support and commitment of our party faithful enabled us to weather the storm and keep the party united and focused.

“In the course of discharging my responsibilities, I may have stepped on toes. Where my actions may have offended anyone while carrying out my duties in strengthening the democratic foundations of our party, I sincerely offer my apologies. Every decision taken was done in good faith and in the overall interest of the APC.

“I was also actively involved in the leadership processes during a defining electoral period that reshaped the political landscape of Edo State, particularly in the build-up to the 2024 governorship election. That period was marked by diverse political interests and differing opinions, which naturally created internal tensions. However, all actions taken were guided by the collective goal of positioning our party for success and progress. To all who felt aggrieved at any point, I extend a hand of reconciliation and goodwill as we move forward together to build a stronger Edo State.”

He described their reelection as the beginning of a new chapter; one that has already become a model and reference point for other states across the federation.

“As we embark on this new beginning, I emphasise the urgent need for unity, cohesion, and inclusivity within our party and across the state,” Tenebe added.

He commended delegates for their trust and overwhelming confidence in the executive, pledging that the team would pilot the affairs of the party to greater heights, just as he thanked party faithful for their unwavering support, which he said helped the party weather challenging periods and remain united.

Also speaking, Oshiomhole, thanked delegates for re-electing the Tenebe-led executive, describing the exercise as seamless and symbolic of party unity in Edo State.

“I thank all the delegates for a seamless exercise which symbolises the unity of the party in Edo State. This unity makes a bold statement about the leadership of Governor Okpebholo. We celebrate the governor for the unity in the party,” he said.

•Kaduna

In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, charged the newly elected State Executive Committee to mobilise at least two million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The charge came as Isaac Atiku Sankay emerged as the consensus chairman of the party at the end of the State Congress held at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.

Sankay, born in 1983, is the current Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution to the governor and was adopted by stakeholders after wide consultations across the 23 local government areas of the state.

His emergence by consensus capped weeks of strategic meetings among party leaders, elders and power blocs, who resolved to present a united front ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Addressing delegates, Governor Sani described the congress as a defining moment in the continued evolution of the APC in Kaduna, saying the exercise reflected internal cohesion and democratic discipline.

He disclosed that 6,885 ward executives were elected across the 255 wards, while 621 local government executives also emerged from the congresses conducted at the grassroots.

At the state level, 36 executive members were affirmed and sworn in, a development the governor said underscored the party’s strong structure and presence in every community.

According to him, the adoption of consensus was not a sign of weakness but an expression of political maturity and unity, stressing that the Kaduna APC would channel its energy toward governance, development and electoral victory.

He reaffirmed the state chapter’s loyalty to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that party structures would be aligned with national objectives and mobilised from the polling units upward.

Speaker Abbas, in his remarks, urged the new executives to swing into action immediately, unite all tendencies within the party and deliver over two million votes for President Tinubu and a similar figure for Governor Sani in 2027.

He commended the outgoing leadership for securing victories in the 2015 and 2023 elections and insisted that the target set for 2027 was achievable if members remained disciplined and focused.

In his acceptance speech, Sankay expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to Governor Sani for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to serve with discipline, courage and measurable results.

Drawing from his experience in peace building, he said he had worked with security agencies, traditional rulers, faith leaders and civil society groups to promote dialogue and stability across Kaduna’s diverse communities.

He promised to strengthen internal democracy, deepen grassroots mobilisation, create structured platforms for youth and women participation and reinforce cohesion within the party.

In his farewell address, the outgoing State Chairman, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd), thanked party faithful for their support during his eight-year tenure, noting that he was leaving behind a stronger and more united APC in Kaduna State. (The Sun)