The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that 8,453 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to attend its national convention in Abuja, scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

The disclosure was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, during a media briefing at the APC World Media Centre in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the convention, themed “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the party’s vision, achievements, and plans for the next political cycle.

“The convention will bring together delegates from across the country for policy discussions, leadership elections, and a transition to a new set of party executives,” Malagi said.

“We are expecting a total of 8,453 delegates to converge in Abuja for this important exercise.”

Malagi added that preparations at Eagle Square have been finalized to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible exercise.

He emphasized that the convention will showcase the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, highlighting the Renewed Hope Agenda as central to national development objectives.

Speaking on behalf of the National Convention Central Coordinating Committee, its chairman and former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, confirmed that 25 sub-committees were set up to ensure proper planning and execution of the convention.

He reassured that the party is fully prepared for the event.

Addressing concerns over possible litigation related to zoning arrangements, Masari said the APC has not been served any legal notice. “APC is a responsible political party. Offices are zoned across regions in line with the federal character principle.

Anyone seeking to contest must comply with this arrangement,” he said.

Despite this, some aspirants have raised grievances. Fubara Dagogo has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge his exclusion from the South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba on March 25, while Paul Yovwe Oyiborume has expressed concerns but has yet to pursue legal action.

The APC national convention, a statutory gathering, will elect members of the National Working Committee and make critical decisions on party administration, policies, and strategies, shaping the party’s internal structure and strategic direction ahead of future elections.

The Federal Government has directed civil servants operating within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home on Friday, March 27, 2026, in preparation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention.

The directive was issued in a circular signed by Abdul Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.

According to the circular, all access roads leading to and around the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phases I, II, and III, will be closed from Friday, March 27, through Saturday, March 28, 2026.

“All Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, Agencies, and Offices located within the Federal Secretariat, Phases I, II & III, are hereby informed of the closure of all access roads leading to and around the said Federal Secretariat Complex from 27th to 28th March 2026,” the statement read.

The government explained that the measure was necessary due to the use of Eagle Square for the APC national convention, which is expected to host party leaders, delegates, and supporters from across the country.

Personnel in affected offices, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are required to stay off-site on Friday, March 27, while heads of ministries, departments, and agencies have been tasked to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

The APC convention, set to take place at Eagle Square, Abuja, is a major political event where party officials will discuss internal affairs and outline preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, on Wednesday led leaders and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North Central region to unanimously endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 general election.

The endorsement took place at the North Central APC Congress in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, and was ratified by governors, ministers, party leaders, and grassroots mobilizers from across the zone.

Governor Abdullahi Sule formally seconded the motion, which was moved by Akume, culminating in a voice vote that confirmed Tinubu as the consensus candidate of the region.

Akume, a former governor of Benue State and the recognized APC leader in North Central, described the endorsement as both a strategic necessity and a responsibility, citing the zone’s historic role in sustaining Nigeria’s unity and political stability.

Addressing attendees, the SGF called North Central the “glue” that binds Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities, praising governors, ministers, and party officials for their performance under Tinubu’s administration.

He emphasized that the zone is critical to the party’s success in the upcoming elections.

“Nigeria is moving towards another election cycle; with the calibre of politicians and grassroots leaders I have seen here, I have no doubt that when votes are counted in 2027, the North Central will deliver the highest number of votes,” Akume said.

He urged party members to intensify mobilization efforts, warning against complacency.

Governor Sule highlighted that fiscal reforms under the Tinubu administration have strengthened states’ financial capacity, allowing some to execute projects without borrowing.

“As a result of these reforms, some of us are carrying out projects without borrowing a penny; for that reason, I second the motion to adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our sole candidate for 2027,” he said.

The motion was unanimously endorsed by all delegates, positioning North Central as one of the first major zones to officially back Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Some members of the Advocate for Women in Governance staged a protest on Thursday at the national secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja, demanding clarification over claims that the party disbursed ₦100 million in connection with the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election.

Addressing journalists, the group’s convener, Amaka Christian, said the demonstration was intended to compel the ADC leadership to respond to allegations made on national television about three weeks ago.

“We are here this afternoon for a simple mission: to ask the national leadership of ADC if it’s true they disbursed ₦100 million to cover costs for the just-concluded election in FCT,” Christian said. She added that the protest was not an accusation but a call for transparency and accountability.

“The allegation has been made publicly, and it is important for the ADC to either confirm or deny it. We just want the truth,” she emphasised. She also noted that the group’s next steps would depend on the party’s response.

In response, ADC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Queen Okiyi, urged calm, describing the allegation as a rumour.

“We urge everyone to remain calm regarding the allegations about Senator Ireti. This is currently a rumour, and the party will address it,” Okiyi said.

She defended the senator’s record and called for unity among party members, stressing that the ADC remains committed to promoting women’s interests.

“The party has the interests of women at heart, and we’d like everyone to avoid divisive rhetoric. We will provide the necessary responses, so let’s stay united and focus on making ADC victorious in 2027,” she added.

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for its national convention scheduled for Friday and Saturday, momentum continues to build behind the candidacy of Ben Nwoye for the position of national chairman South.

The latest endorsement comes from Hon. John Ogbodo, executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Ogbodo described Nwoye as a capable and experienced leader with the political strength to reposition the party for future electoral success.

He noted that Nwoye’s track record in party administration and grassroots mobilization makes him a strong contender for the top position, adding that his emergence would promote unity and stability within the APC.

Ogbodo further called on party delegates to rally behind Nwoye, stressing that the forthcoming convention presents an opportunity to consolidate the party’s internal structures and strengthen its national outlook.

He expressed confidence that Nwoye possesses the vision and leadership qualities required to move the party forward and ensure its competitiveness ahead of future elections.

The APC national convention is expected to bring together key stakeholders and delegates from across the country to elect new party leaders and chart a course for the party’s future.

Dr. Nwoye is the former Chairman of the APC in Enugu State and the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in the state.

Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Tanimu Turaki, the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after he failed to appear in court for his arraignment.

Turaki is facing charges filed by the Nigeria Police Force, led by the Inspector-General of Police, over allegations of providing false information to law enforcement authorities.

During proceedings, prosecution counsel Usman Rabiu told the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea. He stressed that Turaki had been duly served with both the charge and hearing notice but was absent without explanation.

Invoking Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the prosecution urged the court to compel the defendant’s appearance through a bench warrant.

Defence counsel Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, opposed the move, requesting additional time to file arguments in support of a motion seeking to quash the charge.

He argued that his client’s presence in court was not necessary until the motion had been determined.

However, Justice Kekemeke rejected the defence’s position, ruling that the defendant’s absence, despite confirmed service of court documents, was unjustified.

The court held that any challenge to the validity of the charge could only be entertained after the defendant has entered a plea.

Consequently, the judge ordered the immediate issuance of a bench warrant to ensure Turaki’s appearance in court.

The case has been adjourned until April 22 for arraignment.

By Dr. Malachy Chuma Ochie

In the marketplace of leadership, where promises are often louder than performance, a rare figure emerges from time to time, one whose record speaks so clearly that persuasion becomes unnecessary.

In Enugu State today, Governor Peter Mbah has come to embody that rare “good commodity” our people speak of; one that sells itself not through noise, but through undeniable value.

What distinguishes Mbah is not merely the speed of his actions, but the clarity of his vision. From the outset, his governance has projected a decisive break from the inertia that once defined public administration in the state.

Rather than conforming to the slow grind of bureaucracy, he has re-engineered governance into a results-driven enterprise; one where timelines matter, outcomes are measurable, and citizens are not distant observers but active stakeholders.

His leadership style carries the urgency of a man who understands both the weight of expectation and the brevity of opportunity.

Like a prairie fire sweeping across dry land, his reforms have moved with intensity, touching critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, security, and economic development.

Roads are not just being constructed; they are being strategically deployed to unlock commerce. Schools are not merely standing; they are being reimagined as centers of excellence.

Governance is no longer a closed circuit; it is an open bridge connecting policy directly to the people.

Beyond physical development, perhaps his most profound transformation lies in institutional rebirth. Systems that once resisted change are being recalibrated to serve with efficiency and transparency.

This is where true leadership reveals itself, not just in projects that can be seen, but in processes that endure.

Equally important is the psychological shift he has inspired among Ndi-Enugu. Confidence in government, once fragile, is steadily being restored.

There is a growing belief that leadership can indeed be purposeful, that public office can be a platform for measurable progress rather than mere political survival. This renewed trust is the invisible currency fueling his rising political value.

Mbah’s “commodity value” is therefore not manufactured; it is earned. It is built on consistency, reinforced by delivery, and sustained by a governance philosophy that places people at its core. In political terms, he has reduced the distance between promise and proof; and that is a rare achievement.

As 2027 approaches, the conversation in Enugu is shifting in tone. It is less about speculation and more about continuity.

The electorate is not merely being persuaded; they are responding to evidence. And in a democratic marketplace, evidence is the most powerful campaign tool.

Indeed, a good commodity does not beg for buyers; it attracts them. Peter Mbah’s governance has positioned him not just as a participant in the political future of Enugu, but as a defining force within it.

The people, having seen, felt, and measured the impact, are not just observers of his journey; they are investors in it. And that, ultimately, is why the market is responding.