The ruling All Progressives Congress is grappling with internal tensions ahead of its National Convention scheduled for March 26 and 27 at Eagle Square, Abuja, as some aspirants have accused party officials of deliberately denying them access to nomination forms.
Despite assurances by the leadership that preparations for the exercise are on track, complaints over the emergence of preferred candidates and alleged restriction in the sale of expression of interest forms have heightened concerns about divisions within the party.
An aspirant for the position of Zonal Vice Chairman (South-South) and Director-General of the APC State Assembly Forum, Ambassador Dagogo Fubara, has formally petitioned the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alleging deliberate obstruction.
Fubara said although he had met all requirements, including payment of N5.1m for the form, he was repeatedly denied access at the office of the National Organising Secretary without justification.
In his protest letter, he described the process of completing the forms as rigorous, noting that it requires several days, and warned that delays could effectively shut him out of the race.
He stated that he found it difficult to believe the refusal was not a calculated attempt to edge him out, stressing that time was running out as the convention approached.
Another aspirant, Oyiborume Paul Yovwe, who is contesting for the position of National Secretary, also raised similar concerns.
Yovwe claimed that after making payment for the N7.5m form, officials in the finance department declined to convert his bank teller into an official receipt.
According to him, he was informed that the form for the office had already been issued to a particular candidate.
However, the party had earlier indicated that it would retain its existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee positions, a development that effectively limits eligibility based on geopolitical considerations.
Under the arrangement, the position of National Secretary is zoned to the South-West, thereby ruling out Yovwe, who hails from Delta State in the South-South.
The National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, had previously advised aspirants to adhere strictly to the zoning formula, emphasising that it remains valid for the forthcoming convention.
He said the party’s published timetable and guidelines clearly stipulate that only aspirants from designated zones are eligible to purchase and submit nomination forms for specific offices.
Amid the controversy, there are speculations that limited nomination forms may have been produced for certain key positions, including that of the National Chairman, allegedly favouring incumbents.
Support groups have also begun mobilising for preferred candidates.
A group backing the current chairman reportedly purchased forms worth N10m to support his retention, insisting he possesses the capacity to lead the party to victory in future elections.
The situation has raised fears of possible unrest, with various power blocs within the party — including the Progressive Governors’ Forum, National Assembly caucus, and some regional interests — said to be expressing discontent.
While the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, indicated that an official response was being prepared, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications to the National Chairman, Abimbola Tooki, denied claims of exclusion.
Tooki maintained that there was no directive preventing aspirants from obtaining forms, explaining that the process is governed by party rules and the zoning decisions of the National Executive Committee.
He added that only aspirants who meet the zoning criteria are eligible to purchase forms and contest, describing the measure as necessary to ensure order and fairness within the party.