The All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention has commenced in Abuja, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu poised to consolidate his grip on the party. The convention, which brings together 8,453 delegates, is expected to ratify the current members of the National Working Committee (NWC). Despite initial expectations of a shake-up, the process has been marked by intrigues and permutations, with incumbent NWC members reportedly securing the support of the Presidency to remain in office.
The party has allotted positions to the six geopolitical zones, limiting the influence of state governors over the selection process. This move has allowed only a few state governors to exert influence over who emerges from their states. The NWC is responsible for the day-to-day running of the party's affairs, making it a crucial body during primaries.
The APC has explained that the decision to maintain the current NWC structure is based on the need to respect the federal character and ensure that all regions are included. Chairman of the APC Convention Central Working Committee, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, stated that the decision is to maintain order and ensure that all regions are represented in the NWC.
Ahead of the convention, all state and zonal congresses have adopted Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of the party. Sensitive positions, such as the National Chairman and National Secretary, are expected to be endorsed at the convention.
President Tinubu's grip on the APC is becoming increasingly evident, with the party's national convention set to ratify the current members of the National Working Committee. The decision to maintain the status quo has raised concerns over the tilt of the party's structure to favour the President's allies. This move may have significant implications for the party's primaries, with the NWC playing a crucial role in screening aspirants. The fact that most key positions in the party are manned by individuals who attained office after Tinubu's inauguration as President suggests a clear pattern of influence. The APC's decision to maintain the current NWC structure may be seen as a way to consolidate power and ensure that Tinubu's allies are well-represented in the party's leadership. As the party's convention gets underway, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how this plays out. The implications of this move for the party's primaries and the 2027 general elections will be significant, and it remains to be seen how this will impact the party's chances of retaining power.
