APC retains zoning arrangements

• We’ll be fair to all aspirants, screening subcommittee chairman, Oyebanji, assures

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

Strong indication has emerged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has resolved to retain the zoning arrangements for the elective officers and the party’s national leadership positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Working Committee (NWC) last week revealed that the National Executive Committee (NEC), had during its last meeting, agreed to retain the zoning formula.

Document released by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, revealed that NEC had endorsed the current zoning arrangements which resulted in the national officers retaining their positions ahead of this weekend’s national convention in Abuja.

The statement from party’s national leadership, from all indications, may have equally confirmed that the party has agreed to retain, across board, all other zoning arrangements adopted after it emerged victorious in 2023, for all other elective positions.

Meanwhile, Chairman, screening subcommittee of the national convention, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has assured that there will be fair, thorough and diligence in drilling aspirants that purchased expression of interest and nomination forms to be part of the party’s national leadership.

Speaking during the subcommittee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja yesterday, Ekiti State Governor promised that his committee will be transparent and operate in accordance with the constitution and guidelines of the party.

On what to expect for the screening scheduled for today, Oyebanji told newsmen after the inaugural meeting: “We are going to be transparent. We are going to be fair. We are going to be just to all of them (aspirants).

“They are party members and the party has guidelines that guide what we’re going to do. We are going to do everything in accordance with the Constitution of the party and Electoral Act. So they don’t have anything to fear.”

Giving a breakdown of the screening, former Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, who is in charge of the subcommittee’s secretariat explained that 30 aspirants have been cleared to appear before the subcommittee for screening.

Shaibu also explained that both members of the subcommittees and the aspirants have been divided into teams to ensure efficient screening.

He disclosed that former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu, will head the Team B screening group comprising the NWC majorly from the northern parts of the country.

Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who doubles as the co-chairman, said: “Mine is to appreciate all of you for laying a very good foundation for us to learn from you. I was shocked when I sighted Distinguished Senator Ken Nnamani and others. It is a very good example for us that this is a selfless service to our party and nation.”

“This is not about APC but for the country. Whatever we do now will be for generations to come which I’m one of the beneficiaries today. I want to thank you for coming to show us the way. You have passed through this very route and you know how tough it is.”

Also in his goodwill message, former Senate president, Ken Nnamani, charged the committee to take the assignment seriously because the success of the convention will impact on the performance of the party in the 2027 general elections.

“We must all work hard to deliver on this assignment, we must not relax or think that we have won the election, we must work hard because Nigerians out there are going through a lot and we must encourage them to support and vote for President Bola Tinubu who has done so much to reposition the country”.

Also at the inauguration are; former governor of Bauchi state, Isaiah Yuguda, former governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, Sen. Osita Izunaso and Sen. Kabiru Gaya, amongst others.

Meanwhile, Mr Ben Ayade, former governor of Cross River State, said President Tinubu-led administration is repositioning and reloading to create a new Nigeria that will make all citizens proud.

He made the remarks on in Abuja while speaking with journalists at the conclusion of a road walk organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention Environment and Sanitation Sub-Committee.

Ayade, who is Co-chairman of the committee, said the administration had a clear agenda prioritising Nigerians above all else and ensuring governance benefited the people directly.

He commended the management of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for maintaining cleanliness in the city, describing it as a model for other states to emulate in environmental management.

The former governor also thanked members of the committee and members of the public who participated in the walk, lauding their commitment to supporting the APC ahead of the national convention.

“God will grant us a very successful convention and, ultimately, victory at the 2027 polls,” Ayade said, expressing confidence in the party’s preparedness and vision for Nigeria.

Also speaking, Sen. Uche Ekunife, Secretary of the committee, thanked participants for demonstrating that the APC was ready for the 2027 general election and to return President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.