The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) approved the proposed schedule and institutional framework for the upcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention. Last Wednesday, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) examined and approved it.
Recall that the ruling party declared that its national convention would take place on March 27 and 28, 2026.
On the other hand, the ruling party modified the Congress timetable at the 183rd meeting of the party’s National Working Committee.
It stated that the National Convention will take place from March 27 to 28, 2026, while the Ward Congresses will now take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The APC unexpectedly announced that Osun, Ekiti, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory will not be represented in the next Congress.
Felix Morka, the party’s national publicity secretary, told reporters that there are two reasons why those states—Osun, Ekiti, FCT, and Rivers—are exempt. Elections are coming up in One, Ekiti, Osun, and FCT. Therefore, we are granting them an exception so that the elections can take place. Congresses will then be planned in those states.
You may remember that last year we had congresses in Rivers state, including off-season and off-cycle congresses. We must wait for the term of the executive that was elected at that congress to end before scheduling new congresses in River State because that term is still in effect.
The ruling party further stated that appeals will take place on March 23 and zonal congresses would take place on March 18 throughout the zones.
Article 11: A(i-xiii) and Article 17(i) of the party’s constitution govern the congresses and national convention.
Many people are wondering how the party plans to handle the results of the national convention and congresses before the general elections in 2027, as the party’s governors have given their approval for them to take place as planned.
The Progressive Governors Forum chairman, Senator Hope Uzodinma, stated, “The Forum reviewed and endorsed the proposed timetable and institutional framework as approved by NEC for the forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention.”
However, ahead of the 2026 national convention, the Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), and party elders to maintain the current zoning scheme in the interest of justice, equity, and unity.
According to its convener, Dr. Dominic Alancha, the stakeholders felt it was patriotic and appropriate to express their shared stance on important subjects that would promote stability, unity, and the APC’s smooth election victory.
In order to achieve this, Alancha also urged the leadership of the various geopolitical zones to investigate microzoning agreements based on equity and balance in order to fortify the party in the state.
“The Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum unquestionably supports the retention of the current zoning formula as adopted and practiced by our party,” he stated.
Zoning continues to be a stabilizing mechanism that fosters national balance, equity, inclusivity, and a sense of community among the various constituents of our party and the federation.
Abandoning or changing this formula could cause needless stress and erode internal harmony at a time when maintaining national unity is crucial. Therefore, in the sake of harmony, equity, and justice, we urge the National Executive Committee (NEC), President Bola Tinubu, party elders, and all interested parties to maintain the current zoning structure.
For continuity, the Forum also supported Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s current national chairman.
The party has made significant strides in internal party reconciliation, party administration, membership recruitment, and strategic repositioning for future electoral victory under his leadership, it noted.
In order to stabilize the party, improve institutional memory and discipline, and improve readiness for future electoral difficulties, the Forum noted that continuity would allow the National Chairman to build on current changes and initiatives.
“We firmly believe that having seasoned leaders at the helm of our party will undoubtedly provide the APC with exceptional visibility as the foremost progressive political party in Nigeria,” the statement read.
Currently, it is unclear if the party would maintain the current zoning scheme for party offices in order to reduce commotion before the 2027 elections or if it will propose a new zoning formula.
