Christopher Musa, minister of defence, says adequate security arrangements will be put in place to ensure the safety of participants at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention scheduled for March 26 and 27.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the security committee on Friday in Abuja, Musa, who chairs the panel, said members are tasked with developing a comprehensive framework to ensure the event is conducted in a “secure, orderly, and peaceful environment”.
The defence minister said the APC national convention would attract thousands of delegates, party leaders, government officials, and observers from across the country, adding that such an event requires careful planning and a coordinated security architecture.
Such a gathering, while celebratory, also presents complex security considerations that must be carefully anticipated and professionally managed. It is therefore imperative that the convention’s security architecture be robust, coordinated, and proactive,” Musa said.
Our task is to develop and coordinate a comprehensive security framework that will guarantee the safety of delegates, party leaders, invited dignitaries, media representatives, and all other participants throughout the duration of the convention.
“The expectations placed on this committee are very clear. We are required to conduct a thorough assessment of potential risks and vulnerabilities, design an integrated security plan, and ensure that all operational arrangements are effectively synchronised among the relevant agencies and stakeholders. Our approach must be preventive rather than reactive, ensuring that potential threats are identified and mitigated well in advance.”
The minister said the success of the assignment would depend on effective collaboration among security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies.
Each agency brings unique capabilities, experience, and resources to the table. Our responsibility as a committee is to ensure that these capabilities are properly harmonised within a unified operational framework,” Musa said.
The convention must reflect the highest standards of organisation and security befitting a ruling party and a responsible national political institution.”
Musa urged the committee members to be “proactive, meticulous, and collaborative” in planning and execution, adding that the safety of participants and the integrity of the convention depend on the quality of their work.
