By Festus Ahon

The story of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s successful 2026 National Elective Convention did not begin at the grandeur of Eagle Square in Abuja. It began in the wards, community halls, and open fields, where party faithful first gathered to shape the direction of the ruling party from its most fundamental unit.

At the heart of this journey was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, whose strategic alignment with the APC and emphasis on grassroots mobilisation became a defining thread in the party’s build-up to the convention.

What unfolded over months was not merely a sequence of political activities, but a carefully layered process of consultation, consensus-building, and mobilisation that climbed steadily from the grassroots to the national stage.

At the ward level, the APC returned to its most organic roots, engaging directly with the people. Here, participation was intimate and immediate. Delegates were chosen, voices were heard, and loyalties were reaffirmed.

This foundation was further strengthened in Delta State through the inauguration of Ward and Local Government Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, an initiative backed by Governor Oborevwori to institutionalise grassroots engagement.

Oborevwori described the structure as “the heartbeat” of mobilisation, stressing that unity, discipline, and a shared message were essential to political success. The ward-level activities thus became more than administrative exercises; they were instruments for building trust and ownership.

From the wards, momentum flowed into the Local Government Areas (LGAs), where coordination replaced spontaneity. In Delta and across other states, the emphasis shifted towards harmonising interests and strengthening party structures.

At the state level, Oborevwori’s influence was evident in the push for consensus and unity. Stakeholders aligned around common goals, ensuring that leadership emergence reflected collective agreement rather than internal rivalry. This consensus-driven model reduced friction and reinforced party cohesion, a strategy that would later define the APC’s success at higher levels.

The South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba marked a turning point. Hosting the event, Oborevwori positioned Delta State as a hub of political consolidation within the APC. Leaders including Senate President Godswill Akpabio rallied stakeholders around unity, while the seamless emergence of executives, including Chief Victor Giadom, demonstrated the effectiveness of consensus.

Oborevwori, in his remarks, emphasised sustained grassroots mobilisation and internal cohesion, urging party members to deepen connections with the people. The congress signalled a broader transformation in the South-South from fragmentation to coordinated political strength.

Beyond structural organisation, Oborevwori also played a key role in shaping the party’s communication strategy. At the South-South Strategic Communications and Mobilisation Summit, alongside leaders like Hope Uzodimma and Ifeanyi Okowa, he stressed the importance of unified messaging. “Unity must be matched with action,” Oborevwori declared, calling for effective grassroots engagement and disciplined communication.

The summit reinforced the idea that political success required not just structure, but clarity translating reforms into relatable terms and bridging the gap between governance and public perception.

At Eagle Square, the months of groundwork culminated in a successful national convention. For Governor Oborevwori, the moment was both political and personal. Reflecting on his April 28, 2025, defection to the APC, he described it as a strategic move that is already yielding dividends. “We moved because we wanted to connect to the centre, and today, we have connected,” he said.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing reforms aimed at long-term stability, noting that increased revenue allocations had improved states’ capacity to meet obligations and execute projects. He also highlighted progress in Delta State, citing improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, and oil production.

Looking ahead, Oborevwori has taken steps to align governance with electoral timelines, directing political appointees seeking elective offices to resign by March 31, 2026, in compliance with electoral laws. This directive underscores a broader transition within the APC from consolidation to preparation for the 2027 general election.

The APC’s 2026 National Elective Convention stands as a testament to the power of grassroots-driven politics. From ward mobilisation to zonal consensus and national convergence, the process revealed a party strengthened by structure, unity, and strategic leadership.

At every stage, Governor Oborevwori’s role from grassroots mobilisation to national alignment reflected a leadership style anchored on connection, cohesion, and forward planning. And as the APC turns its gaze towards 2027, the pathway to Eagle Square offers a clear lesson – enduring political success is built from the ground up, but sustained by leaders who understand how to connect every level to a common purpose.