By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has presented certificates of return to members of its newly elected National Working Committee (NWC).
The NWC members, elected during the party’s 8th national convention on March 27, were presented with their certificates on Thursday, April 9, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The certificate presentation was led by Aminu Masari, who chaired the 2026 APC national convention election sub-committee and served as chairman of the national convention central coordination committee.
Masari was joined by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who are leaders of the central coordination committee.
The committee presented certificates of return to Nentawe Yilwatda, who was returned as the APC National Chairman, alongside other returning and newly elected members of the NWC.
In his remarks, Masari tasked the NWC members to perform better than previous ones in implementing the APC manifesto for the progress of the country.
He tasked the Yilwatda-led NWC to brace up for the challenges ahead, especially in the forthcoming primary election, when they will be under intense pressure.
Masari said, “I wish the National Working Committee God’s guidance as we face the task ahead, because we have one Working Committee that has just emerged, and we are immediately confronted with primaries, from the local government level up to the national level.
“So, I wish you God’s guidance and protection and the wisdom to carry out the task successfully. Normally, parties, especially the National Working Committee, will be under intense pressure during primaries.
“I hope we will be able to resist temptation and do what is right for the benefit of our party and our country. I wish you God’s guidance.”
Responding on behalf of members of the NWC, Yilwatda assured of the committee’s commitment to the victory of the APC in the 2027 general election.
He said, “The assurance I give you is that we will deepen democracy. We will uphold democracy within the party and ensure stability.
“We will continue to expand the party—keep reaching out, keep engaging, keep mobilising—to increase membership across the country. We must ensure that our party remains strong and focused. We must present clear policies, clear candidates, and a clear direction for Nigeria.
“Our responsibility is to strengthen democracy and build confidence in the political process. We will continue to work hard to ensure that our party remains the platform of choice for Nigerians.
“We assure you that this party will work towards credible elections and stronger democratic institutions.
“Our duty is to ensure that we deliver results at all levels—governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and Houses of Assembly. We will put in all our energy and effort to ensure success for our candidates.
“We will also maintain strong working relationships between the party, the states, and the federal level, ensuring coordination and unity of purpose. We pledge loyalty to the party, loyalty to Nigeria, and commitment to responsible leadership.”
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Members of the newly elected APC NWC are Ali Dalori (Deputy National Chairman, North), Benjamin Obi Nwoye (Deputy National Chairman, South), and Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru (National Secretary).
Others are Victor Giadom (National Vice-Chairman, South-South), Ijeomah Arodiogbu (National Vice-Chairman, South-East), Isaac Kekemeke (National Vice-Chairman, South-West), Idris Shuaibu (National Vice-Chairman, North-East), Mu’azu Rijau (National Vice-Chairman, North-Central), and Garba Datti Muhammad (National Vice-Chairman, North-West).
Also elected as the party’s NWC members are AbdulKarim Kana (Deputy National Secretary), Murtala Kankia (National Legal Adviser), Uguru Ofoke (National Treasurer), and Haruna Ginsau (National Financial Secretary).
Others are Muhammad Argungu (National Organising Secretary), Donatus Nwankpa (National Welfare Secretary), Felix Morka (National Publicity Secretary), and Abubakar Maikafi (National Auditor).
Also among the NWC are Mary Alile-Idele (National Women Leader), Dayo Israel (National Youth Leader), and Durotolu Bankole (National Leader for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Others are Hamma-Adama Kumo (Deputy National Financial Secretary), Emeka Okafor (Deputy National Organising Secretary), Durosinmi Meseko (Deputy National Publicity Secretary), and Zainab Ibrahim (Deputy National Women Leader).
The party also announced its ex-officio members, including Opawoye Bunmi, who represents the North-Central Zone; Adamu Jallah, North-East; Kano Yusuf, North-West; Ikechukwu Umeh, South-East; Francis Kolokolo, South-South; and Bunmi Orinowo, South-West.
