APC Aspirant Alleges Irregularities in National Secretary Nomination Process

APC Aspirant Alleges Irregularities in National Secretary Nomination Process

An aspirant for the position of National Secretary in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyiborume Paul Yovwe, has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the party’s nomination process, claiming that he was unfairly denied access to the form for the contest.

Yovwe, a longstanding member and stakeholder of the party, said he followed all prescribed procedures, including purchasing the official publication, paying the required fee for the nomination form, and presenting proof of payment through bank teller and receipt.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja, he noted that despite completing these steps, the party officials allegedly failed to issue him the form.

Attempts to regularise the payment at the party’s financial department, he claimed, were met with delays and a lack of transparency.

The aspirant further stated that when he contacted the office of the National Secretary, he was informed that the form for the position had already been allocated to the incumbent, Ajibola Bashiru. He described the development as unfair and contrary to the principles of internal democracy.

“This is an elective convention, not a predetermined exercise. Every qualified party member should be given a fair opportunity to contest,” Yovwe said.

He also alleged that a list of preferred candidates for several party positions may have already been compiled, raising concerns about the openness and credibility of the nomination process.

On the issue of zoning, he maintained that while it may serve as a political arrangement, it is not a constitutional requirement. He argued that the office of National Secretary, currently zoned to the southern region, should be opened to all credible candidates from the zone.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the party, Yovwe highlighted his involvement in APC activities since 2013, including grassroots mobilisation and serving as an assistant adviser in his local government.

He urged the leadership to ensure fairness and transparency by making nomination forms available to all interested aspirants.

“We are only asking for a level playing field. Let all aspirants obtain their forms and test their popularity at the convention. That is the essence of democracy,” he added.

The aspirant also hinted that he may explore further lawful steps, including formal communications to party authorities, if the matter is not resolved in the coming days.

His concerns come just days ahead of the APC national convention, scheduled for March 27–28, 2026, where party executives will be elected and key decisions made.