The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended its zoning arrangement for the 2026 National Convention, dismissing complaints from some aspirants. The party insists that the process remains orderly, transparent, and in line with party rules.
According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the party's adherence to federal character principles explains why some aspirants were unable to access nomination forms despite making payments. He warned that aspirants seeking to contest positions outside their designated zones are likely attempting to create confusion.
The minister also addressed petitions from aspirants, including Dagogo Fubara and Oyiborume Yovwe, who claimed they were denied nomination forms despite complying with the nomination process. Idris maintained that party offices had already been zoned, and only aspirants from designated regions were eligible to contest specific positions.
The convention, scheduled to take place at Eagle Square in Abuja, is expected to draw over 8,453 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The gathering will serve as a platform for policy engagement, leadership elections, and the formal transition to a new set of party executives.
The APC's insistence on zoning arrangements raises questions about the party's commitment to inclusivity and fairness. By limiting aspirants to specific zones, the party risks perpetuating a system where only a select few have access to leadership positions. The convention's theme, "Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda," is at odds with the reality on the ground, where aspirants are being denied nomination forms based on arbitrary zoning arrangements. The APC's decision to maintain zoning arrangements will have far-reaching implications for the party's internal dynamics and its ability to attract diverse talent. As the party gears up for the convention, it is clear that the zoning arrangement is a major point of contention that needs to be addressed. The party's commitment to uniting diverse political interests for national development is being put to the test, and it remains to be seen whether the convention will deliver on this promise.
