APC National Convention: Stakeholders ask Tinubu, NEC to retain zoning formula

.As N’West, S’East seek chairmanship, secretaryship slots

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA – Ahead of next month’s national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, concerned stakeholders of the party have called for the retention of the party’s existing zoning formula.

They described the retention as a critical stabilizing mechanism necessary for unity, inclusiveness and internal harmony within the ruling party.

In the current formula, the office of the National Chairman is zoned to the North Central while that of National Secretary is zoned to Southwest.

There are concerns that some elements in the party want the chairmanship taken to the Northwest and the Secretary taken to the Southeast.

However, convener of the Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum, Dr Dominic Alancha, who spoke on Thursday in Abuja after an emergency meeting of the stakeholders, said the forum considered it “patriotic and timely” to clearly state its stance on issues capable of fostering stability, unity and seamless electoral success for the APC as preparations for the national convention gather momentum.

Alancha explained that zoning had “remained a stabilizing mechanism that promotes inclusiveness, fairness, national balance and a sense of belonging among the diverse components of our party and the federation,” warning that any attempt to abandon or alter the arrangement could “generate unnecessary tensions and weaken internal harmony.”

He therefore urged the National Executive Committee NEC, President Bola Tinubu, party elders and other stakeholders to uphold the existing zoning arrangement “in the interest of unity, equity and justice,” while also calling for micro-zoning within geopolitical zones to strengthen the party at state levels.

The forum also threw its weight behind the continuation of the current national leadership of the party, endorsing Professor Nentawe Yilwatda to remain as APC National Chairman.

According to the stakeholders, the party has recorded notable stability under Yilwatda’s leadership, including progress in internal reconciliation, improved party administration, membership drive and strategic repositioning ahead of future elections.

They argued that continuity would allow the chairman to consolidate existing reforms, strengthen institutional memory and discipline, and enhance the party’s preparedness for upcoming electoral challenges.

“It is our firm belief that retaining experienced leadership at the head of our party will clearly give exemplary visibility to the APC as the leading progressive political party in Nigeria,” the forum stated.

In a related development, Alancha used the occasion to formally declare his intention to contest for the position of National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the APC, saying his aspiration was driven by a commitment to strengthening party communication, engagement, grassroots mobilization and image management in line with contemporary public communication practices.

He said that if given the opportunity, he would focus on effectively communicating the party’s policies and programmes to Nigerians and party faithful, while soliciting the support and counsel of stakeholders to realise his vision.

The forum appealed to all APC stakeholders and members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions, insisting that by retaining the zoning formula, ensuring leadership continuity and supporting “capable hands,” the APC would emerge stronger, more united and better positioned to continue delivering good governance under the leadership of President Tinubu.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and its leadership, declaring their continued belief in the ideals of the party and commitment to its success.

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