APC Convention: Support Group Picks Forms For Yilwatda, Insists On North Central Chairmanship
Abuja, Nigeria — A political support group under the aegis of the Prince Simon Ali Support Organization has reaffirmed its support for the retention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) zoning arrangement, while announcing the purchase of nomination and expression of interest forms for the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, ahead of the forthcoming national convention.
Speaking to journalists at the Party National Secretariat in Abuja, the Director-General of the group, Dr. Dominic Alancha, said the decision to purchase the forms aligns with the group’s earlier position advocating continuity and stability within the party’s leadership structure.
Alancha recalled that in January, the group publicly called for the retention of the zoning formula, which places the position of National Chairman in the North Central region.
“We believe that the current National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, has the capacity and competence to move the party forward and lead us into a successful election,” he said.
According to him, the group’s latest action goes beyond endorsement, as it has taken concrete steps to ensure the chairman’s return by purchasing both the nomination and expression of interest forms.
“We are not just calling for continuity; we have gone further to demonstrate our commitment by picking up his forms,” Alancha stated.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership for maintaining the zoning arrangement, noting that it promotes balance, inclusion, and unity within the party.
Addressing questions on whether the group was advocating broader changes or total retention of all party positions across zones, Alancha clarified that the party has already made its position clear.
According to him, positions currently zoned to specific regions will remain in those regions, in line with the party’s convention guidelines.
“The party has stated clearly that positions already domiciled in certain regions will be retained. For instance, the national chairmanship remains in the North Central, while other positions across regions will also be maintained,” he explained.
He added that while zoning remains intact, individuals from the respective zones are free to contest for positions, thereby ensuring internal democracy.
Alancha stressed that the group remains committed to party discipline and will not act against established party decisions, even in situations where certain states may feel underrepresented.
“As party members, we must respect the decisions of the party. Our priority is unity, peaceful coexistence, and strengthening the democratic process within the APC,” he said.
He also dismissed concerns that aspirants from certain regions were being denied access to nomination forms, maintaining that the process remains open and transparent.
“We are aware of individuals who have successfully paid for and obtained their forms. The party will not create unnecessary controversies by denying qualified aspirants,” he added.
Alancha expressed confidence that the APC national convention, scheduled for March 27 and 28, will be peaceful, inclusive, and hitch-free.
He concluded by reaffirming the group’s commitment to the party’s leadership and its determination to ensure continuity and stability ahead of future elections.
