APC support group urges retention of 2022 zoning formula ahead of 2026 convention

Ahead of the March 2026 national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party support group, the Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum, has called for the retention of the 2022 zoning formula that produced the current National Working Committee (NWC).

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the forum’s convener, Dominic Alancha, urged the party’s national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the National Executive Committee to maintain the existing arrangement.

The group argued that preserving the zoning formula would promote continuity, strengthen party cohesion, and enhance stability, unity, and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum also appealed to party leaders to retain the current National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

Explaining the group’s position, Alancha described the zoning formula as a stabilising framework that promotes inclusiveness, fairness, and national balance. He said it has fostered a sense of belonging among the party’s diverse stakeholders across the federation.

He warned that altering or abandoning the arrangement at a time when national cohesion is critical could trigger avoidable tensions and undermine internal harmony within the party.

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

“On an equal breath, we, however, call on the leadership in various geopolitical zones to look into micro zoning arrangements based on balance and equity to strengthen the party at 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.

“Under his leadership, the party has recorded notable stability, progress in internal party reconciliation, party administration, and membership drive, and strategic repositioning for future election success.

“Continuity will enable the National chairman to consolidate on existing reforms and policies to stabilize the party, strengthen institutional memory and discipline, and enhance preparedness for upcoming electoral challenges.”

Alancha further said, “It is our firm belief that retaining experienced leadership at the head of our party will clearly give exemplary visibility to the APC as the leading progressive political party in Nigeria.”

The convener of the forum then declared his intention to contest for the position of National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party.

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He said the desire was in line with the 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 faithful through effective communication of our party policy and programme.

“I therefore solicit your wise counsel and support to achieve this dream and vision.”

The forum called on all APC stakeholders, party faithful, to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions.

“By retaining the zoning formula, ensuring leadership continuity, and supporting capable hands like myself (Dr. Dominic Alancha), the APC will emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned to continue delivering good governance to Nigerians through the able leadership of President Bolaji Ahmed Tinubu.

“We remain steadfast in our belief in the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and reaffirm and pledge our loyalty to the party and its leadership.”