Consensus-Driven Elections Shape New Executive Councils in APC Across Nigeria
The All Progressives Congress (APC) held state congresses across Nigeria, resulting in the formation of new executive councils through a consensus-driven process. These events marked a significant shift in the party’s approach to internal elections, with returnees and newly elected officials combining forces to lead the party at various levels.
At the ward and local government levels, the congresses were conducted on February 18, while several states held their congresses on Tuesday. The APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, issued directives that all elected officials be formally sworn in according to the party’s constitution, ensuring they could immediately begin their duties. Despite some disputes during earlier congresses, which led to legal challenges, the national leadership emphasized the importance of formal swearing-in ceremonies.
The party’s statement highlighted the peaceful conduct of the congresses nationwide, expressing gratitude to members, stakeholders, and supporters. It also congratulated all those who were elected.
Across most states, the consensus mode was adopted for the state congresses, resulting in new executive councils composed of both returnees and new leaders. In Lagos, APC State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi was re-elected for another four-year term. The state congress, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos, saw the election of key executives such as Moshood Olanrewaju (Deputy Chairman), Adeola Jokomba (Secretary), and others. The event was attended by prominent figures including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the new executives to ensure the state chapter of the party becomes a model of inclusivity and fairness. Ojelabi, in his address, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity and inclusivity, emphasizing that the upcoming election would test the party’s cohesion.
In Oyo, former Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo was elected as APC State Chairman. His election followed recommendations from the party’s ad hoc zoning committee. Other executives include Taofeek Lamidi (Deputy Chairman), Fatai Adesina (Secretary), and others. Adeyemo stressed the importance of grassroots mobilization and party unity for future electoral victories.
In Kwara, APC Chairman Sunday Fagbemi was re-elected for another term at the state congress held at the Arca Santa Arena, Ilorin. Fagbemi pledged to consolidate the party’s developmental strides and strengthen its democratic foothold ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed Ndus emerged as the newly elected state chairman in Gombe. He expressed gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for his leadership and assured party members of a united and inclusive administration. Earlier, Chairman of the Gombe State APC Congress Committee, Dr Danjuma Dabo, presented the executives for affirmation, highlighting that all aspirants were screened without any petitions or appeals.
In Delta, Solomon Arenyeka was elected as State Chairman, with Iduh as Deputy Chairman and Efe Uko as State Secretary. Other executives include Paulinus Akpeki (Delta Central Chairman), Emmanuel Amgbaduba (Delta South Chairman), and others. Former Senator Emmanuel Anosike was elected as chairman in Anambra State through a consensus arrangement.
In Edo, delegates from 192 wards endorsed Jarrett Tenebe as party chairman for another four-year term through unanimous voice affirmation. Tenebe’s executive endorsed President Tinubu, Governor Okpebholo, and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole for a second term in the Senate.
In Kebbi, Abubakar Kana-Zuru was re-elected APC State Chairman for a second term through consensus. Other executives include Alhaji Ado-Mudi Augie (Vice Chairman), Alhaji Saidu Muhammad-Kimba (Secretary), and others. Governor Nasir Idris praised the maturity of stakeholders, while Minister Atiku Bagudu commended wide consultations and consensus adoption.
In Bayelsa, former State Assembly member Warman Ogoriba emerged as chairman at Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre. Governor Douye Diri charged the new executives to prioritize unity and reconciliation, urging them to build a formidable party structure to support the Tinubu administration.
In Plateau, Rufus Bature was returned as chairman. Bature, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, was elected through consensus at the congress held in Jos on Tuesday. Katsina elected Bashir Saulawa as State Chairman and Bala Abu Musawa as Deputy Chairman, with zonal vice chairmen appointed for Funtua, Katsina, and Daura zones.
Imo State elected Austin Onyedebelu as chairman and Onyekachi Ibezim as secretary. Ogun State returned Yemi Sanusi as chairman for another four-year term. The congress, presided over by the APC National Election Committee for the state, included 1,180 elected delegates and 400 statutory members.
Enugu State elected Dr Martin Chukwunwike as chairman, with Governor Peter Mbah describing the emergence of the new leadership as a “model of democracy.” Abia State elected former lawmaker Chijioke Chukwu as chairman. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, urged unity and pledged support for the new leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sokoto adopted consensus with Haruna Adiya affirmed as State Chairman. Other officials affirmed at the congress include Yahya Buhari as Deputy State Chairman, Bello Abdullahi as State Secretary, and Abubakar Wada as Assistant State Secretary.
In Benue, a crisis resurfaced with factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and SGF Senator George Akume producing parallel state executives. Those of the SGF faction gathered at Eunice Resort along Ankpa road, Makurdi, where they returned the Austin Agada-led state working committee in the non-elective congress. On the other hand, the faction belonging to the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, held their state congress at IBB square, Makurdi, producing Benjamin Omale.
