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APC Likely to Retain Yilwatda, Basiru in Key Leadership Positions Ahead of National Convention
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to retain Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman and Senator Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary at its forthcoming national convention scheduled for 27–28 March 2026, sources within the party have confirmed.
Party insiders say the decision reflects an emerging consensus among key stakeholders to prioritise internal unity and continuity rather than a competitive election for the top two positions of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Consensus Model Favoured to Minimise Friction
According to senior APC officials, the party’s leadership has adopted a consensus model for filling all National Working Committee positions at the convention. The model is being promoted as a means to reduce internal disputes, encourage cohesion across state chapters, and ensure a peaceful national gathering without divisive primaries.
The APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, explained that the practice of selecting candidates by consensus has been used at lower levels of party congresses — ward and local government — and is expected to be extended to the national level.
“By way of consensus, the National Chairman and the National Secretary can both be returned. You cannot find better individuals to occupy those offices, even in an intra‑party setting in Nigeria,” Duru said.
Yilwatda and Basiru Still Eligible for Re‑Election
Both Prof. Yilwatda and Senator Basiru are constitutionally eligible to seek a second term. Under the APC Constitution, party officers serve a four‑year term and may be re‑elected once.
Yilwatda, who assumed office in July 2025 following the resignation of his predecessor, has been visible in party affairs since his elevation and recently inaugurated the governing council of the Progressive Institute, a party think tank aimed at building internal capacity and policy research capabilities.
Basiru, a former Senator and seasoned party administrator, has served as National Secretary since 2023 and is widely regarded among the party’s organisational leadership as an experienced hand. While there were earlier discussions about regional balance within the NWC — especially given the Southwest origins of both Basiru and President Bola Tinubu — those concerns are said to have eased ahead of the March convention.
President Tinubu’s Influence on the Leadership Outcome
Party sources told journalists that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signalled his preference for retaining both Yilwatda and Basiru in their current roles, a development widely interpreted as a bid to maintain stability within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Leaders close to the presidency are understood to believe that continuity at the helm of the APC’s national leadership will help align the party’s organisational structure with ongoing electoral strategies and governance priorities.
Convention Preparations Intensify
Ahead of the convention, the APC has concluded most of its ward and local government congresses across the country, though elections in a few states were postponed. The Convention Planning Committee, led by former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari, is tasked with overseeing the process and ensuring that it aligns with party statutes.
Political analysts say the decision to favour consensus reflects broader strategic calculations within the APC, as the party seeks to project unity and organisational discipline in the run‑up to the 2027 general elections. However, some observers note that while consensus can promote harmony, it may also suppress competition and the emergence of new leadership voices, potentially raising questions about internal democracy ahead of critical electoral cycles.
Key Facts at a Glance
- APC national convention scheduled: March 27–28, 2026
- Party likely to use consensus selections for filling NWC positions
- Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda likely to remain National Chairman
- Senator Ajibola Basiru expected to continue as National Secretary
- Party leaders hope consensus approach will curb disputes and strengthen unity
