APC Convention: Hon. Paul Raises Alarm Over Denial of Nomination Form
Hon. Oyiborume Paul Yovwe, An aspirant for the position of National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the party’s nomination process ahead of its national convention scheduled for the 27th of this month.
Hon. Yovwe, a longstanding member and stakeholder of the party, said he followed all the prescribed procedures, including obtaining the official publication, paying the required fee for the nomination form, and presenting proof of payment through bank teller and receipt.
Despite completing these steps, he alleged that party officials failed to issue him the nomination form. Efforts to regularize his payment at the party’s financial department, he claimed, were met with delays and a lack of transparency.
The aspirant further stated that upon contacting the office of the National Secretary, he was informed that the form for the position had already been allocated to the incumbent, Senator Ajibola Bashiru. He described the development as unjust and contrary to the principles of internal democracy.
Hon. Yovwe also alleged that a list of preferred candidates for various party positions had already been compiled, raising questions about the credibility and openness of the process. He noted that other aspirants have reportedly faced similar challenges.
“This is an elective convention, not a predetermined exercise. Every qualified party member should be given a fair opportunity to contest,” he said.
On the issue of zoning, Hon. Yovwe maintained that while it may serve as a political arrangement, it is not a constitutional requirement. He argued that the position of National Secretary remains within the southern region and should be open to credible candidates from across the zone.
Reaffirming his commitment to the party, he highlighted his years of active participation since 2013 and his contributions at the grassroots level, including his role as an assistant adviser in his local government.
He called on the APC leadership to uphold transparency, fairness, and due process by ensuring that nomination forms are made available to all interested aspirants.
“We are only asking for a level playing field. Let all aspirants obtain their forms and test their popularity at the convention. That is the essence of democracy,” he added.
Hon. Yovwe also indicated that he would consider further steps, including formal communication and other lawful options, should the issue remain unresolved.
