Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress held its national convention Friday, marking its first major gathering ahead of next year’s elections.
More than 8,000 party leaders and delegates convened in Abuja to select a new chairman and other office bearers ahead of primaries.
The West African nation is scheduled to hold national elections on January 16, 2027, with President Bola Tinubu expected to seek re-election.
The APC meeting occurred under tight security as militants have intensified attacks on military bases and civilian areas across the country.
This week, 11 soldiers were killed in an ambush in northwestern Kebbi, while triple suicide bombings in Maiduguri killed 23 last week.
Nigeria has battled a 17-year insurgency, with violence spreading from the northeast toward central regions, eroding security across the nation.
Deteriorating conditions in the Sahel have enabled militants to expand operations into northwestern Nigeria, increasing attacks and kidnappings by criminal gangs.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state called for a moment of silence to honour victims of growing insecurity across the country.
Tinubu’s government ended fuel subsidies and currency controls in 2023, triggering the most severe economic crisis in Nigeria in decades.
Formed in 2013 from a party alliance, the APC has dominated elections since 2015, overcoming the previously long-ruling People’s Democratic Party.
Despite security challenges, Tinubu is expected to win again, aided by mass defections from the opposition and growing control of state governments.
Finance Minister Wale Edun praised the APC for unifying Nigeria, highlighting its control of 31 of the 36 states, up from 21 in 2023.