President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, 32 state governors and over 8,000 delegates have converged in Abuja for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed during a media briefing in Abuja that a total of 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate in the exercise.

Idris said the convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” would serve as a platform for leadership elections, policy engagement and strategic direction for the ruling party ahead of future political activities.

“The convention hopes to bring together delegates from across the country for decision-making and reflection on the party’s journey, while also setting direction for the next phase,” he said.

Top government officials and party leaders, including ministers and presidential aides, are also in attendance for the high-stakes gathering where new party executives are expected to emerge.

Chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness, stating that all arrangements had been concluded for a smooth and credible exercise.

He also defended the party’s zoning arrangement, warning that attempts to contest positions outside designated zones could undermine party structure and unity.

Despite the build-up to the convention, some party members have raised concerns over alleged exclusion from internal processes. One of them, Fubara Dagogo, who protested his exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress, said he would seek redress through internal party mechanisms rather than the courts.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government directed civil servants working within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home on Friday, citing security and logistical arrangements around Eagle Square, the venue of the convention.

The directive followed expected road closures and heavy movement of party delegates and supporters within the capital city.

Checks also showed that hotels across Abuja have been fully booked, with a surge in arrivals of party faithful ahead of the convention.

The APC convention is expected to shape the party’s leadership structure and political strategy as preparations gradually intensify for the 2027 general elections.