The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a high-profile 170-member committee, including prominent figures like former Nigerian Ambassador to Burundi, HE Elijah Onyeagba, and DG Citizen and Leadership Center, Rinsola Abiola, to review over 1,700 applications for its prestigious Rising Progressive Young Leaders Fellowship (RPLF).
The RPLF, a flagship initiative of the Progressive School of Politics, Leadership and Statecraft (PSPLS), aims to cultivate a new cadre of “governance-ready” young leaders for public service and national development. Other notable committee members include Chalya Shagaya, SSA to the President on Entrepreneurship Development, and Barr. Zainab Buba Marwa.
Dr Dayo Israel, the APC National Youth Leader, stated that the fellowship targets “exceptional emerging leaders” who can contribute to governance now and shape future leadership. He described the programme as a “rigorous, immersive, and transformational experience” combining intellectual depth, practical exposure, and elite mentorship.
“RPLF is delivered as a high intensity, cohort based fellowship, featuring a residential component that removes participants from everyday distractions and places them in a focused environment of learning, reflection, collaboration, and leadership formation. This immersive model fosters discipline, peer bonding, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation of the demands of public leadership and service in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the APC Youth Leader stated.
Other members of the committee include: SA to the Vice President Hon Ahmed Ningi; SSA to the President Mrs Abiodun Essiet; Hon Abu Sidiq; Hon Mrs Nana Hauwa; Hajia Jemilah Shuaibu; Sheefah Zarma; Hon Onyeka Nwafor; Maryam Illyasu Gwarzo; Queen Zarah Onyinye; Engr Anjo Obande; Shehu Huseini Kollere; Dr Muhammed Yahaz; Chidinma Makachukwu; Gbenga Saka; Hon Ibrahim Alli Balogun; Mr Muyiwa Adebola; Hon Onyambo; Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi; Segun Tomori; Theresa Tekanah; Abida Rabo; Jason Baba Kwaghe; Lamir Umar Ibrahim; Ochanya Okoh; Zubair Aliyu; Yewande Bisiolu; Gambo Manzo; Martha Agba; Melycent C. Reis; Abdul Haruna Danja; Olumide Olaniyan; Eng Ibrahim; Esther Oyeyinka; Jamilu Yusuf Yola; Saidu Malagi; Lamide Lawal; Mark Hamation; Bashir Ahmad; Kasha Musa Illiya; Ummi Uki Yusuf; Yetunde Gold; Imram Mohammed; Mohammed Tambura and many more.
The Fellowship draws on a distinguished faculty and resource network comprising former governors, former ministers, senior public servants, seasoned legislators, private sector leaders, policy experts, and thought leaders. Fellows benefit from direct interaction with serving and former senior government officials across both the legislative and executive arms of government, providing rare insight into real-world governance, policy negotiation, political leadership, and institutional decision making.
The committee is broken down into a 17 set of 10 man committee to review 100 applications each and shortlist to 350 which would proceed to the next stage of physical interviews to be conducted by former Governors of the party, agency heads and other senior leaders.
Beyond classroom instruction, the Fellowship emphasizes experiential learning, leadership simulations, policy labs, fireside conversations, and high level engagements that expose fellows to the realities of power, responsibility, and service. Participants are challenged intellectually, ethically, and practically ensuring that the Fellowship experience is not only instructive but life transforming.
The application review process will commence on Wednesday, January 27, 2026, while further updates on the review exercise and final selection process will be communicated in due course.
The RPLF features a residential component designed to foster discipline, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for public leadership, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” The programme will offer direct interaction with senior government officials, former governors, and ministers, providing invaluable insights into real-world governance.
The review process, commencing on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, will see the committee shortlist 350 applicants for physical interviews, to be conducted by former governors and other senior party leaders. Further updates on the selection process are expected shortly.
