Isaac Samuel
The Federal Government has directed civil servants working within the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, to work from home today ahead of the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which begins at Eagle Square..
The directive came as President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, 32 state governors, and 8,453 delegates are expected to converge on the nation’s capital for the ruling party’s two-day convention.
In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Abdul Garba, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the government announced the closure of access roads leading to and around the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phases I, II and III, from March 27 to 28, 2026.
According to the circular, the measure was necessitated by the use of Eagle Square for the APC convention and the anticipated influx of party leaders, delegates, and supporters.
“Accordingly, all personnel whose offices are located within Phases I, II and III of the Federal Secretariat Complex, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are to work from home on Friday, March 27, 2026,” the statement read.
Heads of ministries, departments, and agencies were also directed to ensure strict compliance.
Meanwhile, the APC said all arrangements had been concluded for a smooth convention, which will produce a new set of party leaders and set the tone for political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja, describing the convention as a critical milestone for the party.
He said the theme, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflects the party’s direction and commitment to aligning governance with its political structure.
“We are expecting 8,453 delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The convention is both a decision-making platform and an opportunity for reflection and consolidation,” Idris said.
Chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordinating Committee and former Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, also expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness, noting that all 25 sub-committees had completed their assignments.
He dismissed concerns over possible litigation, insisting that the party adhered strictly to zoning arrangements in line with federal character principles.
Despite the assurances, some aggrieved members have alleged exclusion from the process.
One of them, Fubara Dagogo, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge his exclusion from the South-South zonal congress, despite paying N5.1 million for nomination forms.
Another aspirant, Paul Oyiborume, also raised similar concerns but has yet to institute legal action.
Dagogo, however, said he would first explore internal party mechanisms to resolve the dispute and would not seek an injunction to stop the convention.
Also, Chairman of the APC National Convention Appeals Committee and Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, expressed optimism that the exercise would be hitch-free, adding that the party was prepared for any eventualities..
“I don’t foresee any major problem, but we are prepared. With what we have done so far, we expect a smooth convention,” he said.
Across Abuja, hotels and guesthouses have recorded high occupancy, as delegates and party faithful trooped into the city ahead of the event.
Major facilities, including Transcorp Hilton and NICON Luxury Hotel, were fully booked, while smaller accommodations also witnessed increased patronage.
At Eagle Square, workers were seen putting finishing touches to the venue, while major roads were adorned with party insignia welcoming delegates.
The convention is expected to shape the APC’s internal cohesion and political strategy as preparations gradually build towards the 2027 general elections.
