The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo and Katsina states successfully conducted their state congresses on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, electing new executives amid preparations for the party's upcoming national convention later in the month. Both congresses proceeded peacefully via consensus arrangements, reflecting the ruling party's emphasis on internal harmony and unity ahead of future electoral battles.
In Imo State, the congress held at Ndubuisi Kanu Square in Owerri saw Chief Austin Onyedebelu emerge as the new State Chairman. Onyekachi Ibezim was elected as State Secretary. Both candidates stood unopposed as consensus nominees, a process that underscores the party's strategy to avoid divisive contests and foster cohesion.
Chief Onyedebelu, hailing from the Orlu zone and specifically Oru East Local Government Area, brings significant administrative experience to the role. He previously served as Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ISOPADEC), an agency focused on development projects in oil-bearing communities. His appointment to ISOPADEC came under Governor Hope Uzodimma's administration, highlighting his alignment with the state's leadership.
Onyekachi Ibezim, the new secretary, had earlier held the position of APC Chairman in Owerri Municipal Local Government Area, giving him grassroots-level insight into party operations.
Addressing delegates after his election, Chief Onyedebelu pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Dr. MacDonald Ebere, by uniting the party and steering it toward electoral success. "I assure that I will build on the successes of my predecessor, Dr. MacDonald Ebere, and unite the party and lead it to success during the polls," he stated.
Dr. MacDonald Ebere, the outgoing chairman, expressed gratitude to delegates for their support during his tenure and committed to continued service to the party. "I thank the delegates for their support and pledge my continued support and services to the party," he said.
The Imo congress attracted notable dignitaries, including Governor Hope Uzodimma, who attended to witness the proceedings and demonstrate state-level backing for the new leadership. Stakeholders described the event as orderly and transparent, aligning with the APC's broader push for disciplined internal processes.
In Katsina State, the ruling APC also held its state congress on the same day, electing a mix of new and returning officials through consensus. Dr. Bashir Gambo Saulawa emerged as the new State Chairman, with Bala Abu Musawa elected as Deputy Chairman. Adnan Nahabu was returned as State Secretary, ensuring continuity in that critical administrative role.
At the zonal level, elections produced Samaila Garba as Zonal Vice Chairman for Funtua Zone, Yahaya Idris for Katsina Zone, and Musa Maikudi for Daura Zone. Zonal youth leaders elected include Alti Yahaya Mati (Funtua), Aliyu Aliyu Marafa (Daura), and Samaila Usman (Katsina). The zonal women leaders are Saratu Ibrahim Ɗanja (Funtua), Ladidi Umar Gwalele (Katsina Zone), and Rashida Abdulkarim (Daura Zone).
Additional key positions filled include Hassan Shuaibu Kawuri as Treasurer, Faruk Tsiga as Financial Secretary, Ahmad Hassan Mashi as Organising Secretary, Mamman Yaro Batsari as Auditor, and Ali Sani Iliyasu Runka as Legal Adviser.
Dr. Bashir Gambo Saulawa, the new chairman, previously served as Commissioner for Water Resources in Katsina State, where he managed initiatives such as rural and urban water schemes and the World Bank-supported SURWASH program. His background in governance and public administration is expected to strengthen party coordination in the state, a stronghold for the APC under Governor Dikko Umar Radda.
Party stakeholders in both states hailed the congresses as peaceful, orderly, and successful. The consensus approach—widely adopted across APC state congresses on March 3—has been credited with minimizing disputes and promoting reconciliation among factions. This method aligns with the party's adjusted timetable for nationwide congresses, leading up to the national convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026.
The state congresses form part of broader preparations for the APC's 2026 national convention, following the inauguration of a high-powered Central Coordinating Committee chaired by former Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari. The committee, which replaced an earlier arrangement involving Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, includes prominent figures such as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim as Vice Chairman, Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and elder statesman Bisi Akande.
National leaders have emphasized transparent, credible processes to reinforce party unity and position the APC strongly ahead of the 2027 general elections. The successful conduct in Imo and Katsina has been viewed as a positive indicator of the party's internal stability, particularly in states with incumbent governors who maintain firm control over party affairs.
In Imo, the new executive under Chief Onyedebelu is expected to consolidate gains from Governor Uzodimma's administration, focusing on grassroots mobilization and reconciliation. In Katsina, Dr. Saulawa's leadership is anticipated to enhance coordination between the state government and party structures, building on the successes of Governor Radda's administration in security, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Observers note that these congress outcomes contribute to the APC's Renewed Hope agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing disciplined leadership and inclusive participation at all levels. With zonal congresses slated for March 25, 2026, attention now shifts to sustaining the momentum generated by the state-level exercises.
The peaceful nature of the congresses in these key northern and southeastern states has bolstered optimism within the party about its readiness for upcoming political challenges. Stakeholders expressed confidence that the newly elected executives would prioritize unity, accountability, and strategic planning to deliver victories for the APC in future polls.
