A group operating under the aegis of the Concerned All Progressives Congress Stakeholders Forum has called on the APC to retain its existing zoning formula ahead of the party’s 2026 National Convention, warning that any alteration could threaten internal unity and stability.
The forum also endorsed the incumbent National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for continuity, citing what it described as his stabilising leadership and reforms within the ruling party.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, the Convener of the forum, Dr Dominic Alancha, said the position of the group was informed by the need to preserve equity, inclusiveness and national balance within the APC.
“The Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum unequivocally advocates the retention of the current zoning formula as adopted and practised by our party,” Alancha said.
“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.”
He cautioned that tampering with the arrangement at a time when national cohesion is critical could generate avoidable tension within the party.
“Abandoning or altering this formula may generate unnecessary tension and weaken internal harmony,” he added, urging the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, party elders and other stakeholders to uphold the existing arrangement “in the interest of unity, equity and justice.”
While insisting on the retention of zoning at the national level, the forum also encouraged party leaders across the geopolitical zones to embrace micro-zoning at the state level to further strengthen internal balance.
On the leadership of the party, the forum threw its weight behind Prof. Yilwatda, describing continuity as critical to consolidating recent gains recorded by the APC.
“Under his leadership, the party has recorded notable stability, progress in internal reconciliation, party administration and membership drive, as well as strategic repositioning for future electoral success,” Alancha said.
“Continuity will enable the National Chairman to consolidate on existing reforms and policies and enhance preparedness for upcoming electoral challenges.”
The convener further announced his intention to contest for the position of National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the APC at the forthcoming convention, saying his aspiration was driven by the need to strengthen party communication and public engagement.
“This is in line with our commitment to strengthening party communication, grassroots mobilisation and image management in line with contemporary public communication architecture,” he stated.
Alancha appealed to party stakeholders for support, noting that effective communication remained key to shaping public perception of the party’s policies and programmes.
He urged party members to subordinate personal ambitions to the collective interest of the APC.
“By retaining the zoning formula, ensuring leadership continuity and supporting capable hands, the APC will emerge stronger, more united and better positioned to continue delivering good governance to Nigerians under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
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