APC 8th National Convention: Yilwatda and Basiru Retain Leadership as New NWC Members Emerge via Unity List

The APC concludes its 2026 National Convention in Abuja. Nentawe Yilwatda and Ajibola Basiru retain top spots while Ben Nwoye joins the National Working Committee.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 8:07 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Abridged Convention and the Unity List Strategy

The APC’s 8th National Convention, originally scheduled to span several days, was abridged following the swift ratification of a "unity list" by party delegates. This strategic consensus, reached after extensive high-level consultations among President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the APC Governors' Forum, allowed the party to fill vacant and contested NWC positions without the friction of a prolonged floor vote. Party insiders noted that the decision-making process was heavily influenced by internal zoning arrangements, with governors playing a pivotal role in determining which candidates represented their respective states.

Key Leadership Changes and Retentions

While the core leadership remained stable, several notable shifts occurred within the NWC hierarchy. Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda was reaffirmed as the National Chairman, a move seen as a vote of confidence in his ability to lead the party toward the 2027 general elections. Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru also retained his influential position as National Secretary. However, the convention saw the exit of Emma Eneukwu (Deputy National Chairman, South) and Nze Chidi Duru (Deputy National Organising Secretary). They have been replaced by Ben Nwoye, the immediate past chairman of the Enugu State Caretaker Committee, and Emeka Okafor, respectively.

Yilwatda’s Acceptance and Vision for 2027

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Yilwatda described his continued leadership as a "call to greater service," pledging to prioritize party unity and national progress. He assured the gathered delegates and the presidency that the new leadership would not "fail or falter" in its responsibilities. This rhetoric aligns with the party's broader objective of presenting a unified front as it begins to navigate the early stages of the 2027 campaign cycle. Analysts suggest that Yilwatda’s focus on "building the party together with the nation" is a direct nod to President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda.