Ahead of APC Convention, Basiru Banks on Reform Record, Promises Stronger Party Structures
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for its March 27–28 national convention, its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru has been cleared from the screening process with a renewed push to consolidate internal reforms and strengthen the party’s nationwide structures.
Basiru, who appeared before the party’s National Convention Aspirants’ Screening Committee led by Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji underwent the exercise today in Abuja, where party officials assessed aspirants ahead of the convention scheduled to hold at the Eagle Square.
Reflecting on the exercise while addressing journalists, Basiru described the interaction with the panel as positive and affirming, noting that his tenure at the party’s secretariat since August 2023 received recognition.
“It was okay. The committee acknowledged what we have been doing since we assumed office and charged us to continue working towards growing the party, ensuring cohesion, fairness and justice for all members,” he said.
The APC scribe highlighted what he called tangible institutional progress under his watch. Central to this, he explained, is the expansion of the party’s membership base through a structured, name-based registration system.
“We have grown the party’s database to about 12 million members,” Basiru stated, presenting the figure as evidence of the APC’s growing grassroots appeal.
He also pointed to administrative reforms within the party’s national secretariat, describing a shift towards a more responsive and efficient system capable of handling the demands of a ruling party.
“We have been able to establish a functional and effective secretariat with an efficient bureaucracy capable of enhancing the party’s capacity. In terms of processes, including the conduct of primaries, we have introduced a level of competence that ensures seamless operations,” he added.
With the convention in view, Basiru stressed that the next phase for the APC would go beyond internal administration to revitalizing its entire structure from the grassroots upward.
“One of the key tasks before us is to activate all party structures from the polling units up to the national level. In particular, the National Advisory Council must be fully activated after the convention,” he said.
Projecting confidence about the party’s immediate future, Basiru maintained that a stronger and more coordinated structure would reinforce the APC’s dominance in Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 elections.
On the convention itself, where he is expected to run unopposed for the position of National Secretary, he assured party members of a smooth and memorable event.
“We believe the convention will be peaceful and one of the most colourful and eventful gatherings of any political party in Nigeria. The party has assembled eminent personalities to ensure a successful outing,” Basiru said.
The upcoming convention is expected to convene party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the federation, setting the tone for the APC’s next political phase.
