APC Convention: Masari urges delegates to ‘Shape History’

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) launched its 8th National Convention on Friday with calls for unity and a firm defence of the administration’s economic agenda.

Addressing 8,453 delegates, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who chaired the convention’s Central Coordinating Committee, described the gathering as a “solemn assembly” tasked with steering the nation’s destiny.

Masari emphasized that the convention was more than a routine political exercise. “Delegates, the responsibility you carry today is immense. You are not here merely to cast a vote. You are here to shape history,” he said, urging members to appreciate the weight of their roles in selecting the next crop of party leaders.

Acknowledging challenges such as insecurity and economic pressures, Masari described these obstacles as “opportunities to prove our resilience” and build a fairer, more prosperous Nigeria. “Leadership is not about privilege; it is about service. It is not about titles; it is about trust. It is not about power; it is about unity,” he added, promising a process guided by transparency and respect for the will of members.

Representing the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Finance Minister Wale Edun defended the administration’s “bold steps” to address longstanding economic neglect, noting challenges such as limited local refining capacity and distorted foreign exchange markets inherited from previous governments.

Edun reported that economic growth has doubled under the current administration, rising from 2% to 4% per annum, with a medium-term target of 7% growth to lift millions out of poverty and achieve a $1 trillion economy. He also highlighted the APC’s expanding influence, with the number of party governors growing to 31 from 21 in just over two years.

The minister outlined initiatives across key sectors, including fresh support for farmers and small-scale industries through the Bank of Industry, partnerships with the World Bank to revitalize the power sector, and massive investments in the digital economy aimed at empowering youth and reducing emigration.

While acknowledging the short-term “cost of correcting imbalances,” Edun said the country is on a path to stability. “The giant has reawakened. We must stay the course from stabilization to the gold standard,” he stated.

Most of the current National Working Committee (NWC) members entered the convention unopposed, with only the positions of Deputy National Chairman (South) and National Welfare Secretary contested. The convention also serves to affirm the party’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and elect new leadership.

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