No fewer than 32 state governors and over 8,400 delegates from across the country are expected in Abuja as the All Progressives Congress (APC) begins its National Convention today.
The two-day event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, will see President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and top party leaders converge on the nation’s capital to elect new party executives and chart the party’s future direction.
Party chieftains from the national, zonal, state, and ward levels are also billed to participate in the high-profile gathering, which is regarded as a key milestone in the APC’s internal democratic process.
The Co-Chairman of the Convention’s Media Sub-Committee and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed the scale of participation during a World Media Briefing held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, a total of 8,453 accredited delegates drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to take part in the convention.
“The convention will bring together delegates from across the country for policy engagement, leadership elections, and a formal transition to a new set of party executives,” Idris said.
He explained that the gathering would serve not only as a decision-making platform but also as an opportunity for reflection, consolidation, and setting a new direction for the ruling party.
Describing the event as a significant moment in the APC’s evolution, Idris noted that the convention would highlight the party’s achievements under the leadership of President Tinubu while reinforcing its long-term vision.
“The forthcoming National Convention marks another milestone in our journey, reflecting both the continuity of our values and the renewal of our leadership,” he added.
The convention is expected to culminate in the emergence of a new National Working Committee, as the party seeks to strengthen its internal structures ahead of future political contests.
State Police: IGP Submits 75-Page State Police Framework to Senate as Reform Debate Intensifies
The push for the establishment of state police received a significant boost on Thursday following the submission of a comprehensive framework by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.
The 75-page document, presented to the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, outlines the proposed structure, governance, and coordination mechanisms for both federal and state policing systems. The submission forms part of ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
The framework was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Olu Ogunsakin, who chaired the Nigeria Police Force committee responsible for developing the proposal on state policing.
Titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” the report provides detailed operational guidelines and a roadmap for integrating state police into the existing national security framework.
According to Disu, the document is the product of extensive consultations, professional assessments, and strategic evaluations conducted by the police to address the complexities surrounding the creation of state police.
He noted that the report reflects the collective input of key stakeholders and thoroughly examines the legal, administrative, and operational implications of decentralising policing powers.
“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting state police in Nigeria,” the IGP said.
He expressed confidence that the framework would enrich ongoing national discussions and assist lawmakers in making informed and balanced decisions on a critical component of Nigeria’s security reform.
“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture,” he added.
The police chief further disclosed that the document has been formally transmitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police’s official submission on the contentious issue.
In his response, Barau, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive and timely contribution to the constitutional amendment process.
He assured that the committee would give due consideration to the framework alongside other memoranda submitted by stakeholders as part of broader efforts to address evolving governance and security challenges.
Barau also noted that the initiative aligns with the security priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in enhancing safety and protecting lives and property nationwide.
The renewed focus on state police comes amid rising insecurity and increasing calls for a decentralised policing system that would empower state governments to respond more effectively to local threats.
While proponents argue that state police would improve intelligence gathering, response time, and community engagement, critics have raised concerns about potential misuse by state authorities and the need for strong institutional safeguards. With the submission of the police framework, deliberations on state policing are expected to gain momentum in the National Assembly, as lawmakers consider various proposals aimed at creating a more responsive and efficient policing system
