There is growing tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as certain members allege that the party leadership has denied them access to nomination forms in advance of the national convention set for March 25 to 28 in Abuja.

Several candidates said they couldn’t get the necessary forms, even though they met all the requirements. Meanwhile, the party has approved 30 candidates to run in the election scheduled for March 26-27, 2026.

Dagogo Fubara, Director-General of the APC States Assembly Forum, claimed on Arise Television that application forms were withheld even though applicants had fulfilled all requirements.

“After paying for the forms and fulfilling all the requirements, we were denied the opportunity to get the aspirant nomination forms. We all paid that money. They received the money, and we went for clearance. We were cleared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the convention.

“We were asked to go to the organising department for the forms to be issued. When we got there, they told me that they’ve exhausted forms. We started this system in 2012. So, I was happy that this convention would usher in a lot of youngsters to come in and serve this party since President Bola Tinubu has nurtured us.

“We, especially from the ACN extraction, all these years, see ourselves as viable to go into elective positions. So, we are surprised when some microscopic ones in the system said the forms have been exhausted,” he lamented.

Despite assurances from the party leadership that preparations for the March 26 and 27 elections are on track, aggrieved aspirants insist they have been unfairly shut out of the process.

Fubara, who is running for Zonal Vice Chairman (South-South), has submitted a petition to National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, claiming the issue was a deliberate attempt to hinder his progress. He said that despite paying N5.1 million, he was repeatedly refused the forms at the office of the organising secretary.

“I do not wish to believe that the delay or refusal by the National Organising Secretary is a tactical approach to exclude me from the election,” Fubara wrote in his petition, pointing out that “time is of the essence” as the convention draws closer.

Similarly, Oyiborume Paul Yovwe, an aspirant for the office of National Secretary, recounted a comparable experience. He alleged that after making a payment of N7.5 million and attempting to validate it, officials in the finance department declined to process his receipt.

“I went to the financial department to clear my payment and convert the teller to a receipt, but they refused. When I asked why, I was told the form for the position of national secretary had already been assigned to one person,” Yovwe alleged.

Party Guide for Aspirants

Amid the controversy, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, urged aspirants to adhere strictly to the party’s zoning framework. He reiterated that the arrangement guiding the distribution of National Working Committee positions remains in force.

“As contained in the published All Progressives Congress, APC, 2026 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses, National Convention, and Related Activities, the existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee positions across states within the geo-political zones remains valid and applicable to the upcoming national convention.

“Aspirants purchasing and submitting Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for national offices, ahead of the National Convention, are advised to be strictly guided by the existing zoning arrangement.”

There are also concerns that nomination forms for key positions, including national chairman and national secretary, may have been limited in number and allegedly reserved for preferred candidates. However, a support group backing Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed such claims, stating their actions were based on confidence in his leadership.

The group’s Director-General, Dominic Alancha, maintained that their support was driven by belief in Yilwatda’s ability to lead the party to victory in the upcoming elections.

APC Clears 30 Aspirants Ahead of National Convention

Despite the disputes, the party has proceeded with its screening process. A total of 30 aspirants have been cleared by the National Convention Aspirants’ Screening Committee, chaired by Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

Speaking on the process, Oyebanji disclosed that all aspirants seeking positions within the National Working Committee (NWC) were successfully screened and cleared.

Among those given the nod are aspirants for top leadership roles, including National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru.

Other cleared candidates include Emma Eneukwu (Deputy National Chairman, South), Abubakar Dalori (Deputy National Chairman, North), and Abdulkarim Kana (Deputy National Secretary). Also on the list are Mustapha Salihu (Deputy Vice Chairman, North-East), Mu’azu Rijau (National Vice Chairman, North Central), and Mohammed Datti (North-West).

Ijeomah Arodiogbu (South-East), Victor Giadom (South-South), and D. I. Kekemeke (South-West) for vice chairmanship positions across the geopolitical zones.

In addition, Muritala Kankia was cleared for the role of National Legal Adviser, alongside Uguru Ofoke as Treasurer. Chidi Nze Duru secured clearance for Deputy National Organising Secretary, while Anyanwu Nduka is set to contest for Welfare Officer.

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