APC Anticipates Attendance of 8,453 Representatives at Upcoming Convention, Claims No Awareness of Pending Lawsuit

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The All Progressives Congress has disclosed that no fewer than 8,453 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate in its national convention scheduled to hold in Abuja from Friday to Saturday.

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, made the disclosure during a question-and-answer session at the APC World Media Briefing held in Abuja on Thursday.

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Malagi explained that the theme of the convention, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the party’s vision, achievements and future direction.

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He said the convention would provide an opportunity for delegates to engage in policy discussions, elect party leaders and consolidate the party’s programmes ahead of the next political cycle.

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

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“We are expecting a total of 8,453 delegates from across the country to converge on Abuja for this important exercise,” he said.

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Malagi added that the gathering would also highlight the achievements of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains central to the party’s policy direction and national development objectives.

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According to him, necessary arrangements have been concluded to ensure a smooth, transparent and credible exercise at the Eagle Square, Abuja, with committees already finalising operational frameworks for effective coordination.

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“The forthcoming national convention marks another milestone in our journey, reflecting both continuity in our values and renewal of leadership. It is also an opportunity to strengthen alignment between the party and government in delivering on national priorities,” he added.

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Speaking on behalf of the National Convention Central Coordinating Committee, its chairman and former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation for the exercise.

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Masari said the committee initially constituted 25 sub-committees to ensure proper planning and execution of the convention.

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“We assure Nigerians that the APC is fully prepared for the 2026 convention, which begins on Friday,” he said.

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Addressing concerns over possible litigation regarding zoning arrangements, Masari stated that the party was not aware of any court action affecting the convention.

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He maintained that the APC operates a zoning structure based on the federal character principle to ensure fairness and inclusiveness in party administration.

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“APC is a responsible political party. In line with the federal character principle, party offices are zoned across regions. Anyone seeking to contest must do so in accordance with the zoning arrangement,” he said.

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Masari added that the party had not been served any legal notice regarding disputes connected with the convention.

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“We are not aware that anybody has gone to court. We have not been served any notice. If we are served, we will respond appropriately,” he said.

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Meanwhile, some party members have raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the zoning process.

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One of the aggrieved aspirants, Fubara Dagogo, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging his exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba on March 25, 2026, despite reportedly meeting nomination requirements, including payment of the N5.1 million nomination fee.

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Another party member, Paul Yovwe Oyiborume, has also expressed grievances over the process but has yet to initiate legal action.

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The APC National Convention is a statutory gathering where party delegates elect members of the National Working Committee and make key decisions on party administration, policies and strategy.

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The convention is guided by provisions of the party constitution, including zoning arrangements designed to ensure equitable distribution of party offices across geopolitical zones.

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The 2026 convention is expected to shape the party’s internal structure and strategic direction ahead of future electoral contests, while also reinforcing its policy framework anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

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