The ruling All Progressives Congress has concluded preparations for its National Convention scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with 8,453 delegates expected to converge on Abuja to elect a new National Working Committee.
Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, alongside the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
The officials addressed key issues surrounding the convention, including the party’s budget, security arrangements for delegates, and the use of consensus and zoning in filling party positions.
Defending the zoning arrangement, Masari described it as a necessary strategy to maintain balance and unity within the party. He cautioned against individuals attempting to contest for positions not allocated to their geopolitical zones, suggesting such actions could destabilise the party.
“APC is a responsible party. In line with federal character, all offices are zoned. If you are contesting for an office that is not zoned to your zone, how can you say you are being democratic? We suspect these kinds of people are interested in destroying our party, which we will not agree to,” he said.
Responding to speculation about possible legal challenges to the zoning formula, Masari stated that the party had not received any court processes, adding that action would only be taken if formally served.
“You can only hold something that you have,” he added.
Providing further details, Idris confirmed that delegates would be drawn from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He also addressed concerns about the cost of the convention, explaining that the party is operating a flexible budget system.
“Our budget has a self-adjusting mechanism to accommodate what we have. Nobody is being owed as far as this convention is concerned, and we don’t intend to owe anybody after the convention,” he said.
On security, the minister assured that adequate measures are in place to guarantee the safety of delegates traveling from across the country. He also referenced the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting its commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring safe movement nationwide.
“Members of the committee have traveled thus far and we have not recorded any incidence. By God’s grace, we will not record any throughout this convention and beyond,” Idris stated.
The convention is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the party’s leadership structure ahead of future political engagements.
What you should know
The APC is set to hold its National Convention in Abuja with over 8,000 delegates expected to elect a new National Working Committee.
Party leaders have defended the zoning of positions as a means of maintaining balance and unity. Concerns about funding and security have been addressed, with assurances of a flexible budget and safe travel arrangements.
The convention is a significant political event that will influence the party’s internal structure and future direction ahead of upcoming elections.
