APC Stakeholders Press Tinubu, NEC to Respect Zoning Formula

Stakeholders within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to retain the existing zoning formula ahead of the party’s forthcoming national convention.

The group described the zoning arrangement as a vital tool for maintaining internal cohesion, inclusiveness and stability within the party, warning that any alteration could trigger unnecessary tension at a critical time for the APC.

Under the current structure, the position of National Chairman is allocated to the North Central zone, while the office of National Secretary is zoned to the South West. However, there have been growing concerns within party circles that some interests are pushing for a redistribution of the positions, with proposals to move the chairmanship to the North West and the secretaryship to the South East.

Speaking after an emergency meeting of party stakeholders in Abuja, convener of the Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum, Dr Dominic Alancha, said the group considered it necessary to take a clear position on issues that could affect party unity as preparations for the convention intensify.

Alancha stressed that zoning has consistently served as a stabilising framework within the APC, ensuring fairness, national balance and a sense of belonging across the country’s diverse political landscape. He cautioned that abandoning the arrangement could undermine internal harmony and weaken the party’s collective strength.

The forum urged President Tinubu, the NEC, party elders and other key stakeholders to preserve the existing zoning formula in the broader interest of equity, justice and unity. It also recommended micro-zoning within geopolitical zones to further strengthen party structures at the state level.

In addition, the stakeholders expressed support for leadership continuity at the national level, endorsing Professor Nentawe Yilwatda to continue as APC National Chairman. They said the party has experienced relative stability under his leadership, citing progress in reconciliation efforts, internal administration, membership mobilisation and strategic positioning ahead of future elections.

According to the group, maintaining continuity would enable the current leadership to consolidate reforms, strengthen institutional discipline and enhance preparedness for future electoral contests.

Alancha also used the occasion to declare his intention to contest for the position of APC National Deputy Publicity Secretary. He said his ambition is driven by a desire to strengthen party communication, deepen engagement with members and improve public perception of the party through modern communication strategies.

He appealed to party members to prioritise the collective interest of the APC over personal ambitions, expressing confidence that adherence to zoning, leadership continuity and merit-based selection would leave the party stronger and more united under President Tinubu’s leadership.