FULL LIST: APC Retains National Chairman, Others
The All Progressives Congress has reaffirmed key figures in its leadership structure, returning Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, and Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole as members of the newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC) at its 8th National Convention in Abuja.
The convention, held at Eagle Square, underscored continuity within the ruling party as delegates ratified a consensus-driven list that retained several prominent office holders while making select adjustments to strategic positions.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was returned as National Chairman, reaffirming confidence in his leadership, while Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru also secured another term as National Secretary.
Similarly, Durotolu Oyebode Bankole retained his position as National Leader for Persons with Disabilities, reflecting the party’s commitment to inclusivity within its leadership structure.
The emergence of the new NWC followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders, with a unity arrangement shaping the outcome and ensuring minimal contestation across positions.
Despite the retention of several key figures, the convention also recorded notable changes, including the elevation of Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye as Deputy National Chairman (South), replacing Chief Emma Eneukwu after internal deliberations.
Party sources indicated that the blend of continuity and change was carefully negotiated through zoning considerations and the influence of governors, who played a decisive role in determining candidates for positions allocated to their states.
Observers say the decision to retain core leaders reflects a strategic move by the party to maintain stability ahead of future political contests, while introducing fresh faces to strengthen internal structures.
In his acceptance speech, Yilwatda described his re-election as a renewed call to service, pledging to deepen unity within the party and advance national development.
“We are ready to serve, ready to lead, and we are ready to build the party, together with the nation,” he said, assuring members that the leadership would remain steadfast in delivering on its mandate.
The event attracted top political figures, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors, lawmakers, and other influential stakeholders within the party.
The newly constituted NWC reflects a mix of returning and new members, with officials drawn from across the country in line with the party’s zoning formula.
Among those returned are key officers across critical portfolios, including the national publicity, welfare, youth, and legal departments, reinforcing institutional continuity.
The inclusion of new members such as Ambassador Haruna Ginsau and Barrister Emeka Okafor also signals an effort to inject fresh expertise into the party’s administrative framework.
Political analysts note that the composition of the new NWC positions the APC to consolidate its internal cohesion while preparing for upcoming electoral cycles.
The convention’s outcome is widely seen as a demonstration of the party’s ability to manage internal interests through consensus, avoiding the divisions that often accompany leadership contests.
With the new leadership now in place, attention is expected to shift towards policy direction, party expansion, and preparations for future elections.
Full List of APC National Working Committee (NWC):
• National Chairman – Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda
• Deputy National Chairman (North) – Ali Bukar Dalori
• Deputy National Chairman (South) – Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye
• National Secretary – Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru
• Deputy National Secretary – Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana
• National Legal Adviser – Murtala Aliyu Kankia
• National Treasurer – Uguru Mathew Ofoke
• National Financial Secretary – Amb. Haruna Ginsau
• National Organising Secretary – Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu
• National Welfare Secretary – Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa
• National Publicity Secretary – Felix Morka
• National Auditor – Sen. Abubakar Maikafi
• National Women Leader – Dr. Mary A. Idele
• National Youth Leader – Dayo Israel
• National Leader (Persons with Disabilities) – Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole
• Deputy National Financial Secretary – Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo
• Deputy National Organising Secretary – Barr. Emeka Okafor
• Deputy National Women Leader – Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim
• Deputy National Publicity Secretary – Hon. Meseko Durosinmi Josiah
• Deputy National Welfare Secretary – Dr. Christopher Michael Akpan
• Deputy National Auditor – Mr. Olugbenga Olayemi
• Deputy National Legal Adviser – Barr. Ibrahim Salawu
• Deputy National Treasurer – Engr. Ben Akak
• Deputy National Youth Leader – Jamaludeen Kabiru
• National Ex-Officio (North Central) – Dr. Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi
• National Ex-Officio (North East) – Adamu Jallah
• National Ex-Officio (North West) – Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf
• National Ex-Officio (South East) – Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh
• National Ex-Officio (South South) – Mr. Francis Kolokolo
• National Ex-Officio (South West) – Hon. Bunmi Orinowo
