In Abuja, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with internal tensions just days before its National Convention scheduled for March 26 and 27 at Eagle Square. Several aspirants have accused party officials of deliberately restricting access to nomination forms, describing the situation as a calculated attempt to sideline certain contenders.
Despite assurances from the party leadership that preparations for the convention are on track, allegations of “anointed” candidates and the alleged hoarding of expression of interest forms have exposed deep divisions within the party. Critics argue that these developments undermine transparency and fairness in the lead-up to the convention.
One of the aggrieved aspirants, Ambassador Dagogo Fubara, who is seeking the position of Zonal Vice Chairman (South-South) and serves as Director General of the APC States Assembly Forum (ASAF), has formally petitioned the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda. In his complaint, Fubara alleged that despite paying the required N5.1 million fee, he was repeatedly denied access to the nomination form by the office of the National Organizing Secretary without any clear justification.
In his protest letter, Fubara emphasized that completing the nomination process is time-sensitive, noting that it typically requires at least four days. He expressed concern that the delays could be a deliberate strategy to exclude him from the race, especially as the convention deadline approaches.
Fubara is not alone in raising these concerns. Another aspirant, Oyiborume Paul Yovwe, who is contesting for the position of National Secretary, reported a similar experience. After paying N7.5 million for the form, Yovwe claimed he was unable to convert his bank payment teller into an official receipt, as the finance department allegedly refused to process it. According to him, he was informed that the form for the position had already been allocated to another individual.
However, party insiders point to the APC’s existing zoning arrangement as a key factor in determining eligibility. The party had earlier announced that it would adhere to its established zoning formula for the convention. Under this arrangement, the National Secretary position is designated for the South-West region, effectively disqualifying Yovwe, who hails from Delta State in the South-South.
Reinforcing this position, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, had previously advised aspirants to comply strictly with the zoning guidelines. He reiterated that only candidates from designated zones are eligible to purchase and submit nomination forms for specific positions.
Further fueling controversy are claims that the convention committee may have printed only a limited number of nomination forms for key positions such as National Chairman and National Secretary, possibly favoring incumbents. A support group, the Prince Simon Ali Support Organization, has already purchased a N10 million form backing Yilwatda’s continuation as National Chairman, dismissing allegations of exclusion and expressing confidence in his leadership.
Meanwhile, various power blocs within the party including the Progressive Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly Caucus, and regional factions are reportedly at odds, raising fears of potential disruptions during the convention.
Responding to the allegations, Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser on Media to the APC National Chairman, denied any directive preventing aspirants from obtaining forms. He maintained that the process is governed by party rules and constitutional provisions, stressing that eligibility is strictly tied to compliance with the zoning framework established by the National Executive Committee.
