By Ndudirim Silvia Iloka
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally presented Certificates of Return to members of its newly elected National Working Committee (NWC), marking the full activation of the party’s new national leadership structure under National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
The presentation ceremony was held in Abuja under the coordination of the party’s Convention Central Coordination Committee chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, who described the exercise as a final administrative step following the party’s national convention.
With the development, the newly constituted leadership team has officially begun its four-year mandate to steer the affairs of the ruling party.
At the top of the new structure is Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman, supported by Senator Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary, alongside other principal officers elected at the convention.
The full list of the newly elected National Working Committee members includes Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman; Ali Bukar Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (North); Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye, Deputy National Chairman (South); Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary; Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana, Deputy National Secretary; Murtala Aliyu Kankia, National Legal Adviser; Uguru Mathew Ofoke, National Treasurer; Ambassador Haruna Ginsau, National Financial Secretary; Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo, Deputy National Financial Secretary; Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu, National Organising Secretary; Barr. Emeka Okafor, Deputy National Organising Secretary; Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa, National Welfare Secretary; Dr. Christopher Michael Akpan, Deputy National Welfare Secretary; Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary; Hon. Meseko Durosinmi Josiah, Deputy National Publicity Secretary; Senator Abubakar Maikafi, National Auditor; Dr. Mary A. Idele, National Women Leader; Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, Deputy National Women Leader; Dayo Israel, National Youth Leader; and Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, National Leader for Persons with Disabilities.
The national ex-officio members include Dr. Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi (North Central), Adamu Jallah (North East), Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf (North West), Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh (South East), Mr. Francis Kolokolo (South South), and Hon. Bunmi Orinowo (South West).
Speaking at the event, Masari urged the new leadership to uphold integrity and discipline in managing the party’s internal affairs, noting that the APC would be navigating a politically sensitive period with upcoming primaries across various levels of government.
He stressed the need for unity and restraint within the leadership structure, warning that internal processes must not be compromised under political pressure.
In his remarks, Prof. Yilwatda commended the convention committee for what he described as a smooth and well-coordinated process, adding that the emergence of the new leadership reflects the strength of the party’s internal democratic arrangements.
He pledged that the NWC would prioritise stability, deepen internal democracy, expand the party’s membership base, and ensure effective implementation of its manifesto across the country.
The presentation of certificates brought the post-convention procedures to a close, with the new National Working Committee now fully in place as the party begins its next phase of internal organisation and political activities ahead of future elections.
