By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to hold its 2026 National Convention today at the iconic Eagle Square, Abuja, bringing together about 8,453 accredited delegates from across Nigeria in a major political gathering aimed at strengthening party unity ahead of future electoral contests.
The convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” is expected to attract top government functionaries, party leaders, lawmakers and key stakeholders, highlighting the party’s efforts to reinforce internal cohesion and advance its governance agenda.
According to the official programme of events, the arrival of accredited delegates commenced at 9:00 a.m. and is scheduled to end by 2:00 p.m., while special guests, National Assembly leadership, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), governors and members of the National Caucus are expected between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are billed to arrive between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., followed by the National Chairman of the party at 3:30 p.m. The Vice President is expected between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The highlight of the event will be the arrival of Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, scheduled between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., where he is expected to address party faithful on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the party’s strategic direction.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of the large turnout and heightened security arrangements, the Federal Government directed civil servants working within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work remotely on Friday to ease movement restrictions and ensure adequate security coordination around the convention venue.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the directive was contained in an official circular issued on Thursday and signed by Abdul Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The circular informed Ministries, Departments and Agencies located within the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phases I, II and III, that access roads within and around the complex would be temporarily closed from March 27 to March 28.
The government explained that the measures became necessary due to the proximity of the Federal Secretariat to Eagle Square, the venue of the APC convention, and the expected influx of party delegates and dignitaries.
Affected workers, including officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government offices within the complex, were consequently directed to carry out their official duties from home during the period to minimise disruption and ensure public safety.
Political observers note that the convention comes at a critical time as the APC consolidates its structures nationwide and prepares the groundwork for upcoming political activities, including party reforms and future elections.
The gathering is also expected to feature key speeches, reaffirmation of party policies, and deliberations on strengthening internal democracy, party discipline and national development priorities.
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Security has reportedly been heightened within Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, as party faithful and political observers monitor proceedings from what is considered one of the APC’s most significant assemblies since the 2023 general elections.
