The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its 8th National Convention, with Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda emerging as the party’s National Chairman.

Also elected was Mr. Surajudeen Basiru as National Secretary. The duo, alongside other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), emerged through a consensus arrangement ratified by delegates at the convention.

The Convention Election Committee announced the new NWC during the 4th Elective National Convention of the APC.

Other members include Mr. Felix Morka as National Publicity Secretary, and Mr. Dayo Israel, who retained his position as Youth Leader.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Yilwatda described his election as a call to service and expressed gratitude to the party.

“We are ready to serve, ready to lead, and we are ready to build the party, together with the nation, with you,” the Plateau-born politician said.

He pledged that the NWC would not “fail, falter” in its responsibilities.

The convention, held at Eagle Square in Abuja, attracted dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu; Vice-President Kashim Shettima; leaders and members of the National Assembly; APC governors; and other party stakeholders.

Addressing over 8,000 delegates, President Tinubu reiterated that the country is on the right track, despite current challenges.

“We knew rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions. But we also knew that no nation rises by hiding from the truth,” he said.

The President added: “We are on the right track. Investor confidence has greatly improved.

“Our oil and gas sector has once more become attractive to foreign investment following our reforms. Our Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 400%, and Nigeria has exited the financial ‘grey list’, marking a return to global financial credibility.”

He also assured Nigerians that, despite recurring power outages, better days are ahead, particularly with policies such as the Grid Asset Management Company.

“I assure you, many of you lamenting the problem of electricity and power; we are paying attention to that,” he said. “Electricity will become better, and we assure you there will be opportunities and progress in our industrialisation.”

Mr. Tinubu commended Nigerian youths, describing them as “not only the future of Nigeria; you are our hope for a more glorious and assured future”.

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, likened the administration’s reforms to laying the foundation for a prosperous economy.

“Through difficult but necessary reforms, he has demonstrated vision, resolve, and uncommon foresight. Today, the foundation for a more stable, productive, and prosperous economy is being firmly laid,” he said.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, said the results of the reforms are already visible.

“The economy is improving. Growth has strengthened, doubling from 2% previously before your administration, now at the rate of 4% per annum (though it is still not enough),” Mr. Edun said. “Stability is returning, confidence is rebuilding, and the giant has reawakened.”

The Chairman of the APC National Convention Planning Committee, Sen. Bello Masari, said the party remains confident ahead of the 2027 elections.

“In terms of popularity, APC is number one, whatever the permutations,” he said. “As a party, we are not afraid. We are very ready.”

Echoing earlier remarks by the President to media executives, Sen. Masari urged greater accountability at state and local government levels.

“The problem in Nigeria is that we don’t situate problems where they belong,” he said. “Certain problems are local and belong to the local government; others are federal in nature, but you lump them all on the head of the President.”