Jane Salihu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday inaugurated the newly elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following their emergence at the party’s 8th National Convention held at Eagle Square in Abuja.
Delegates at the convention elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the ruling party through a consensus arrangement late Friday night. The exercise formed part of the major activities marking the party’s convention aimed at strengthening its internal leadership structure ahead of future elections.
The oath of office was administered by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who urged the newly elected officials to uphold the ideals and core values of the party in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Kalu called on the new leadership to work with unity, dedication and commitment to ensure the continued growth of the APC and the consolidation of democratic governance in the country.
In his remarks on behalf of the new executives, the National Chairman of the party, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described their election as a responsibility rather than a reward.
According to him, leadership within the party should be seen as a burden of service and sacrifice, stressing that members of the committee would remain united in promoting the democratic values for which the APC is known.
Yilwatda assured party faithful that the new leadership would run an open, transparent and inclusive administration that accommodates all shades of opinion within the party.
He further noted that the future of the APC is closely tied to the future of the country, adding that the leadership would work tirelessly to strengthen the party’s structures across all regions.
The APC chairman also emphasised that preparations for the 2027 general elections would require broad engagement with Nigerians across political, ethnic and regional lines to consolidate the party’s national appeal.
Meanwhile, the election recorded some notable changes in the party’s leadership, including the replacement of the former Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu, by Ben Nwoye.
Another unexpected development was the removal of the former Deputy National Organising Secretary, Chidi Duru, who did not return to the new National Working Committee.
Among those elected into key positions are Deputy National Chairman (North) Abubakar Dalori, National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, Deputy National Secretary Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, National Vice Chairman (North Central) Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, National Vice Chairman (North East) Dr. Mustapha Salihu, National Vice Chairman (North West) Mohammed Datti, National Vice Chairman (South East) Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice Chairman (South South) Victor Giadom, and National Vice Chairman (South West) D. I. Kekemeke.
Others include National Legal Adviser Muritala Aliyu Kankia, National Treasurer Uguru Matthew Ofoke, National Organising Secretary Suleiman Argungu, National Welfare Secretary Ignatius Nwapa, National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, National Women Leader Mary Alile-Idele, National Youth Leader Dayo Israel and Special Leader for Persons with Disabilities Tolu Bankole, among others.
Deputy national officers, six national ex-officio officers and zonal officers earlier elected at the party’s zonal congresses were also inaugurated alongside members of the National Working Committee at the ceremony.
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