The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has justified its use of zoning and consensus arrangements ahead of its national convention, where critical decisions are expected to shape the party’s direction toward the 2027 general elections.
The convention, holding today at Eagle Square in Abuja, is expected to draw about 8,453 delegates, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, lawmakers, and other top party stakeholders.
Top on the agenda is the political future of President Tinubu, with strong indications that the gathering may formally back him for a second term, despite his not yet making an official declaration. Earlier endorsements by party leaders and organs have already signalled widespread internal support for continuity.
Party officials, however, insist that the endorsement does not undermine internal democracy. The APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, had assured that all qualified members would still be allowed to contest for the party’s presidential ticket.
Addressing concerns over zoning and consensus, Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, described the approach as necessary for maintaining balance and unity within the party. He warned that aspirants seeking positions outside their designated zones could be acting to destabilise the party.
Masari also dismissed speculations about legal challenges to the zoning arrangement, noting that the party had not received any court filings on the matter.
On the convention’s funding, Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the APC is operating a flexible budget system, downplaying concerns about the overall cost of the event.
To ease movement and ensure security during the convention, the Federal Government directed civil servants in Abuja’s Federal Secretariat to work from home, citing road closures around the complex due to activities at Eagle Square.
A major highlight of the convention will be the election of new members of the National Working Committee (NWC). Many of the aspirants, including National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, are reportedly unopposed, reflecting a consensus-driven process.
The convention is also expected to approve timelines and modalities for party primaries in line with the schedule set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has fixed April 23 to May 30, 2026, for political parties to conduct their primaries.
Other key issues on the agenda include campaign financing, the integration of new defectors into the party, and concerns over alleged automatic tickets promised to some newcomers—an issue that may spark intense debate among stakeholders.
In addition, the APC will review its electronic membership registration system and finalise plans to submit its updated digital register to INEC before the April 2 deadline, as required by law. Failure to comply could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, has accused leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of laying the groundwork for a one-party state. He argued that actions taken during past opposition primaries weakened Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
Okechukwu defended zoning as a vital principle for national unity, insisting it has historically promoted fairness, inclusion, and stability across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
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