APC Reaffirms Zoning Arrangement for National Convention Amid Aspirant Concerns

APC Reaffirms Zoning Arrangement for National Convention Amid Aspirant Concerns

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed that the existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee (NWC) positions remains valid and will guide the upcoming 2026 National Convention.

In a statement signed on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, aspirants purchasing and submitting Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for national offices were advised to strictly follow the zoning arrangement as contained in the published APC 2026 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses, National Convention, and Related Activities.

The statement read in part, “The existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee positions across states within the geo-political zones remains valid and applicable to the upcoming National Convention. Aspirants are therefore advised to be strictly guided by this arrangement.”

Meanwhile, National Periscope had earlier reported that an aspirant for the position of National Secretary, Oyiborume Paul Yovwe, raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the party’s nomination process, claiming he was unfairly denied access to the nomination form.

Yovwe, a long-standing member of the party, told journalists that he followed all prescribed procedures, including purchasing the official publication, paying the required fee, and presenting proof of payment through bank teller and receipt.

“Despite completing all required steps, party officials allegedly failed to issue me the nomination form,” he said. Attempts to regularise the payment at the party’s financial department, he claimed, were met with delays and a lack of transparency.

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

Yovwe also questioned the openness of the process, alleging that a list of preferred candidates for various party positions may have already been compiled.

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

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

He urged the party leadership to ensure fairness and transparency in the nomination process, adding, “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.”

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