Dare Babalola
The All Progressives Congress (APC) will this weekend hold its 2026 National Convention at Eagle Square in Abuja, with party leaders describing the event as a defining moment for both internal reorganisation and national political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The convention follows the completion of ward and state congresses across the country and is expected to culminate in the election of a new National Executive Council (NEC), a process seen as critical to strengthening party cohesion and leadership.
Speaking ahead of the gathering, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President) in a social media post on Friday, said the convention goes beyond routine political activity and represents a significant point of reflection for the ruling party.
“For those involved in the internal workings of the APC, the exercise is neither ceremonial nor routine. It is a reckoning with a set of promises made under difficult circumstances, and an attempt to measure whether those promises have begun to take institutional form,” Nkwocha said.
The convention comes amid sweeping economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assuming office in May 2023.
Key among these policies are the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of Nigeria’s exchange rate system—measures aimed at addressing long-standing structural distortions in the economy. While the reforms triggered inflationary pressures and increased living costs, government officials maintain that fiscal stability is gradually improving.
According to Nkwocha, the current phase of governance represents a deliberate effort to implement structural reforms while maintaining political legitimacy.
“The present moment attempts something more deliberate. It seeks to restructure without losing political legitimacy, a task that has historically proven elusive,” he stated.
Infrastructure development is also expected to feature prominently in discussions at the convention, with projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry corridor cited as part of efforts to boost economic integration.
In the energy sector, the emergence of the Dangote Refinery is being highlighted as a turning point in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Analysts say increased domestic refining capacity could help cushion the country against global oil price shocks and ease pressure on foreign exchange.
The APC is also expected to spotlight policies targeting Nigeria’s large youth population, including student loan schemes, digital enterprise initiatives, and skills development programmes.
To mitigate the impact of ongoing reforms, the federal government has introduced measures such as cash transfers, support for small businesses, and wage adjustments.
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates slight improvements in food prices toward the end of 2025, offering some relief to households affected by inflation.
Political observers say the outcome of the convention will play a crucial role in shaping the APC’s strategy heading into the next election cycle.
Nkwocha emphasised that the significance of the gathering lies in its broader implications for governance and policy direction.
“The convention offers an opportunity to articulate a defining narrative, not just to party members but to the broader public. Its significance lies not in speeches or ceremonies, but in what it represents—where political intent meets economic and social reality,” he said.
As delegates converge on Abuja, attention will be on how the ruling party aligns its internal leadership structure with the demands of governance and public expectations in a period of economic transition.
