APC Convention: Stakeholders Want Existing Zoning Arrangement Retained

Ahead of the March 28 national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), concerned stakeholders in the party have asked the National Executive Committee (NEC), President Bola Tinubu, elders and other stakeholders to uphold the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of unity, equity and justice.

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They also endorsed the current national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to be supported to continue in office after the convention.

The APC concerned stakeholders forum made the call at a press conference in Abuja yesterday.

Yilwatda from Plateau (North Central) emerged the national chairman of APC during the party’s NEC meeting of July 24, 2025 in what political observers view as a move to return the slot to the geopolitical zone it hitherto was before Dr Abdullahi Ganduje (North West), held sway between August 3, 2023 and June 27, 2025.

In his address, convener of the forum, Dr Dominic Alancha said under Yilwatda’s leadership, the party recorded notable stability, progress in internal reconciliation, party administration and membership drive, and strategic repositioning for future election success.

He said zoning remained a stabilising mechanism that promotes inclusiveness, fairness, national balance, and a sense of belonging among the diverse components of party and the federation, hence the need for the retention of the current arrangements.

Alancha however called on the leadership in various geopolitical zones to look into micro zoning arrangements on the basis of balance and equity in order to strengthen the party in the state.

The APC chieftain also declared his interest to contest for the party’s deputy national publicity at the national convention to strengthen the communication wing of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

“The Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum unequivocally advocates the retention of the current zoning formula as adopted and practiced by our party.

“Zoning has remained a stabilising mechanism that promotes inclusiveness, fairness, national balance, and a sense of belonging among the diverse components of our party and the federation.

“At a time when national cohesion is of utmost importance, abandoning or altering this formula may generate unnecessary tension and weaken internal harmony.

“We therefore call on the National Executive Committee (NEC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, party elders, and all stakeholders to uphold the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of unity, equity, and justice.”

Alancha however called on the leadership in various geopolitical zones to look into micro zoning arrangements on the basis of balance and equity in order to strengthen the party in the state.

“In the spirit of continuing, the Forum hereby endorses the current National Chairman of our great party APC Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda for continuity.”

He said under Yilwatda’s leadership, the party has recorded notable stability, progress in internal party reconciliation, party administration and membership drive, and strategic repositioning for future election success.

He said continuity will enable the national chairman to consolidate on existing reforms and policies to stabilise the party, strengthen institutional memory and discipline, enhance preparedness for upcoming electoral challenges.

“Ladies and gentlemen at this juncture, I wish to use this opportunity to also present and declare my intention to contest for the position of National Deputy  publicity Secretary of our great party, the APC.

“This is in line with our commitment to strengthening party communication, engagement, grassroots mobilization and image management in line with contemporary public communication architecture.

“It is our belief that given this opportunity, I shall do my best in shaping the perception of Nigerians and party faithfuls through  effective communication of our party policy and programme,” he said.