•Tinubu, Shettima, Govs, others return Yilwatda, Basiru as natl chairman, secretary
•Police, Soldiers bar journalists, threaten to shoot
By Omeiza Ajayi & Omeiza Ajayi
Activities in the nation’s capital, Abuja, were literally grounded to a halt, yesterday as the All Progressives Congress, APC, held its National Convention, amid tight security that saw journalists
initially barred and threatened by overzealous security agents.
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima and 31 governors of the party were on ground as the ruling APC began its 8th elective National Convention at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
Others at the venue include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, APC governors, ministers, lawmakers and delegates.
The convention officially began at around 8:15pm, yesterday.
Heavy deployments of Police and Soldiers cordoned off major access roads leading to the Eagle Square venue, effectively restricting movement and leaving many accredited media practitioners stranded and having to trek considerable distances to access the entrance of the venue.
Despite possessing valid tags, several reporters were turned back at various checkpoints, with some security personnel threatening to open fire on journalists who attempted to defy the orders to move away. The situation took a desperate turn as many journalists who eventually gained entrance, sought temporary shelter at the Nasarawa State Pavilion.
However, the respite was short-lived as they were met with verbal hostility from delegates who eventually chased them away from the area.
The convention, which has largely been organized under a consensus arrangement, saw a long list of aspirants appear for screening to fill various positions within the National Working Committee NWC.
While most offices are set to be filled through affirmative votes for consensus candidates, the positions of the Deputy National Chairman, South, and National Welfare Secretary remain the only contested seats.
Leading the list of cleared aspirants for the consensus positions is Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda from Plateau State, who is the incumbent National Chairman. He is flanked by Hon. Abubakar Dalori from Borno for Deputy National Chairman, North, and Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru from Osun, who is slated to retain the position of National Secretary.
Other key figures appearing for the consensus roles include Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana for Deputy National Secretary, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau for National Vice Chairman, North Central, and Barrister Muritala Aliyu Kankia as the National Legal Adviser. The list also features Felix Morka for National Publicity Secretary and Dayo Israel for the National Youth Leader position.
For the contested Deputy National Chairman, South position, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the incumbent, would slug it out with Hon. Ben Nwoye, while the race for National Welfare Secretary pits the incumbent Hon. Ignatius Nwapa against Hon. Nduka Anyanwu.
Despite the internal party arrangements aimed at a seamless transition, the heavy-handed approach of the security agencies has cast a shadow over the exercise, leaving the media community in a state of flux as they struggle to document the proceedings.
You’re here to shape history, Masari tells delegates as FEC highlights economic reforms
Addressing the party delegates, President Bola Tinubu harped on unity among party members.
Tinubu also commended Governors AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman of Kwara, Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for the roles they played towards the success of the convention.
Earlier, addressing a massive gathering of party faithful, former Governor of Katsina state, Aminu Bello Masari, who Chaired the Central Coordinating Committee for the convention, told the 8,453 delegates that their presence in the capital was a “solemn assembly” designed to steer the destiny of the nation.
In his opening remarks, Masari emphasized that the convention transcended mere political routine. He urged delegates to recognize the weight of their roles in selecting the next crop of party leaders.
“This convention is not a routine jugglery; it is a solemn assembly, a historic moment, and a powerful reminder of the strength of our democracy,” Masari stated. Speaking further, he said; “Delegates, the responsibility you carry today is immense. You are not here merely to cast a vote. You are here to shape history.”
Acknowledging the current hardships facing many Nigerians—including insecurity and economic pressures – Masari argued that these obstacles are “opportunities to prove our resilience” and build a Nigeria that is fairer and more prosperous. “Leadership is not about privilege; it is about service. It is not about titles; it is about trust. It is not about power; it is about unity,” he added, promising a process guided by transparency and respect for the will of the members.
Representing the Federal Executive Council FEC, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, provided a technical defence of the administration’s “bold steps” to rectify years of economic neglect.
Edun noted that the president inherited a system plagued by a lack of local refining and distorted foreign exchange markets, which had historically hindered the fight against poverty.
“By choosing to act, you chose courage over comfort, you chose reform over delay, and you chose Nigeria and the people of Nigeria over politics,” Edun said.
The minister reported a significant shift in macroeconomic indicators, revealing that economic growth has doubled from 2% prior to this administration to the current 4% per annum.
the party’s expanding influence, noting that the number of APC governors has grown to 31 from approximately 21 just over two years ago. This unity of purpose, he argued, is critical for propelling the nation towards economic gains.
In the agricultural sector, the administration has recently approved fresh support for farmers and small-scale industries through the Bank of Industry, he said. Edun added that a major partnership with the World Bank is underway to revitalize the power sector by attracting private sector investment.
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