Fresh controversy has engulfed the All Progressives Congress ahead of its National Convention slated for March 26 and 27 at Eagle Square, Abuja, with aggrieved aspirants accusing party officials of restricting access to nomination forms.
Although the party leadership has repeatedly declared its readiness for the exercise, allegations of favouritism and claims that certain candidates have been pre-selected have deepened cracks within the ruling party.
One of the aspirants, Ambassador Dagogo Fubara, who is seeking to emerge as Zonal Vice Chairman (South-South) and also serves as Director-General of the APC State Assembly Forum, has lodged a protest with the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over what he termed deliberate obstruction.
Fubara said he fulfilled all stipulated requirements, including payment of N5.1m, but was repeatedly denied access to the nomination form at the office of the National Organising Secretary without any clear explanation.
In his petition, he stressed that completing the nomination documents requires several days, warning that the delay could effectively disqualify him from participating in the race.
He expressed concern that the refusal might be a calculated move to sideline him, especially as the convention draws nearer.
Similarly, another aspirant, Oyiborume Paul Yovwe, who is eyeing the position of National Secretary, alleged that he encountered difficulties after making payment for the form.
Yovwe claimed that officials in the party’s finance department declined to issue him an official receipt after he presented proof of payment, adding that he was informed the form for the position had already been allocated.
However, the party had earlier reaffirmed its zoning arrangement for National Working Committee positions, which determines eligibility based on geopolitical zones.
Under the arrangement, the office of National Secretary is zoned to the South-West, effectively excluding Yovwe, who is from Delta State in the South-South region.
The National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, had urged aspirants to comply strictly with the zoning formula, noting that it remains binding for the forthcoming convention.
He emphasised that the party’s timetable and guidelines clearly state that only aspirants from designated zones can obtain and submit nomination forms for specific offices.
Meanwhile, concerns persist that nomination forms for some key positions, including that of the National Chairman, may have been limited, allegedly favouring incumbents.
Support groups backing certain candidates have also intensified mobilisation efforts.
A group loyal to the incumbent chairman reportedly purchased nomination forms valued at N10m to support his re-election, citing his leadership qualities and electoral prospects.
The unfolding situation has sparked anxiety within the party, with influential blocs such as the Progressive Governors’ Forum, National Assembly caucus, and some regional stakeholders said to be uneasy over the developments.
While the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, disclosed that an official statement was being prepared, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications to the National Chairman, Abimbola Tooki, dismissed claims of deliberate exclusion.
Tooki maintained that no directive had been issued to prevent aspirants from obtaining forms, explaining that the process is guided by established rules and the zoning decisions of the National Executive Committee.
According to him, only aspirants who meet the zoning criteria are eligible to purchase forms and contest, a measure he said is necessary to maintain order and fairness within the party.
