Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Former Governor Yahaya Bello has been appointed as a member of the Finance Committee for the 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress, a move that has sparked attention across political circles and online platforms. Reports from party sources and social media accounts confirm his inclusion in the committee’s composition.
The Finance Committee is one of several sub-committees officially announced by the APC as part of its preparations for the national convention, scheduled to take place from March 27 to March 28, 2026. The party unveiled a broad list of committee assignments across operational, administrative and programmatic areas aimed at ensuring an orderly convention process. National party leadership emphasised adherence to internal democracy and constructive engagement by all members appointed to various sub-committees.
According to coverage of the committee inaugurations, the Finance Committee will be responsible for important logistical functions central to the convention’s success, including budgeting and mobilisation of resources to support arrangements and delegate participation. The panel reportedly comprises senior political officeholders and party stakeholders from across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with former governor Hope Uzodimma named as committee chairman and Babajide Sanwo-Olu as co-chair, indicating the significance of the committee’s mandate.
Bello’s appointment comes amid broader organisational moves by the APC to consolidate internal structures ahead of the 2027 general election cycle. Party officials, including the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, have publicly highlighted the need for inclusive and effective planning to ensure a unified and credible convention. Leaders of the convention planning committee have pledged transparency, adherence to the party constitution, and cooperation among sub-committee members in delivering a successful national event.
The development has elicited varied responses within Nigeria’s political discourse. Supporters of Bello’s political career view his appointment as affirmation of his continued relevance within the party despite controversies during and after his tenure as governor of Kogi State. Critics on social media, however, have raised questions about the timing of the appointment and its implications for internal party balance, reflecting broader tensions within the APC’s internal power dynamics. Some comments referenced ongoing public criticism and legal scrutiny that Bello and other prominent APC figures have faced, though there has been no formal statement from party leadership connecting the appointment to those matters.
Political analysts note that party sub-committee appointments ahead of national conventions are often interpreted as strategic placements, not merely administrative roles. In the context of Nigeria’s ruling party, such appointments can signal alignment with influential blocs within the party, preparation for future leadership contests, or reward for sustained political support. While convention planning committees are not directly involved in candidate selection, their composition frequently reflects broader negotiations and consensus-building among party elites.
The APC’s official planning documents also underline the importance of managing internal cohesion and injecting renewed focus on organisational unity after successive electoral engagements. Party leadership has reiterated that the 2026 convention represents an opportunity for renewal and internal reflection as the APC positions itself for upcoming elections and governance responsibilities. The national convention will serve as a forum for reaffirming party leadership structures and endorsing internal policy directions.
Whilst Bello’s role on the Finance Committee does not confer executive authority over party decision-making, his inclusion underscores his continued prominence within APC ranks. That prominence has previously made him a subject of both intra-party support and controversy. Political commentators suggest that appointments like this could influence perceptions of regional balance and political patronage as the APC navigates a complex national political landscape ahead of critical electoral milestones.
As national convention preparations continue, further details about committee operations, specific mandates, and additional appointments are expected to be released by party officials. The convention itself is being closely watched by political stakeholders, civil society, and observers of Nigeria’s democratic processes, with many anticipating key discussions on internal party reforms and strategic positioning for future elections.
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