APC Convention: Stakeholders Endorse Yilwatda, Ask Tinubu, Others To Retain Current Zoning

Ahead of the March 28 National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), concerned stakeholders in the party have endorsed the current National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for continuity.

The APC Concerned Stakeholders Forum, who announced the endorsement at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, asked the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, President Bola Tinubu, party elders, and all stakeholders, to uphold the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of unity, equity, and justice.

Yilwatda from Plateau State (North Central) emerged the National Chairman of APC during the party’s NEC meeting of July 24, 2025, in what political observers viewed as a move to return the slot to the geopolitical zone where it was hitherto before Dr Abdullahi Ganduje (North-West) heldsway between August 3, 2023 and June 27, 2025.

In his address, convener of the forum, Dr Dominic Alancha said under Yilwatda’s leadership, the party recorded notable stability, progress in internal reconciliation, party administration and membership drive, and strategic repositioning for future election success.

He said zoning remained a stabilising mechanism that promotes inclusiveness, fairness, national balance, and a sense of belonging among the diverse components of the party and the federation, hence the need for the retention of the current arrangements.

Alancha, however, called on the party leadership in various geopolitical zones to look into micro-zoning arrangement on the basis of balance and equity in order to strengthen the party at the states.

The APC chieftain also declared his interest to contest for the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary at the national convention to strengthen the communication wing of the party ahead of 2027 general election.

“As our party prepares for its 2026 National Convention, we consider it patriotic, and timely to clearly state our collective position on key issues that will foster stability, unity, and seamless electoral success for the APC.

“The Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum unequivocally advocates the retention of the current zoning formula as adopted and practiced by our party. Zoning has remained a stabilizing mechanism that promotes inclusiveness, fairness, national balance, and a sense of belonging among the diverse components of our party and the federation.

“At a time when national cohesion is of utmost importance, abandoning or altering this formula may generate unnecessary tension and weaken internal harmony.

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

“On an equal breathe, we however call on the leadership in various geopolitical zones to look into micro zoning arrangement on the basis of balance and equity in order 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, enhance preparedness for upcoming electoral challenges.

“Ladies and gentlemen at this juncture, I wish to use this opportunity to also present and declare my intention to contest for the position of National Deputy publicity Secretary of our great party, the APC.

“This is In line with our commitment to strengthening party communication, engagement, grassroots mobilization and image management in line with contemporary public communication architecture.

“I is our believe that given this opportunity, I shall do my best in shaping the perception of Nigerians and party faithfuls through effective communication of our party policy and programme.
I therefore solicit your wise counsel and support to achieve this dream and vision.

“In conclusion, the forum calls 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 abled leadership of president Bolaji Ahmed Tinubu,” Alancha stated.