Preparations Underway for APC’s March 2026 National Convention

Last Wednesday, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) approved the proposed schedule and institutional framework for the upcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention. The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) reviewed and approved the plan.

As you may remember, the ruling party declared that its national convention would take place on March 27 and 28, 2026.

At the 183rd meeting of the party’s National Working Committee, however, the ruling party made modifications to the Congress program.

It stated that the National Convention will take held from March 27 to 28, 2026, while the Ward Congresses will henceforth take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The APC unexpectedly declared that the Federal Capital Territory, Osun, Ekiti, and Rivers will not be represented at the next Congress.

Felix Morka, the party’s national publicity secretary, told reporters: “There are two explanations for the exceptions for those states, Osun, Ekiti, FCT, and Rivers.” Elections are coming up in FCT, One, Ekiti, and Osun. In order for the elections to take place, we are exempting them. Congresses will then be planned in those states.

“As you may remember, we held off-season and off-cycle congresses in Rivers state over the previous year. We must wait for the term of the executive that was elected at that congress to end before scheduling new congresses in River State because it is still in effect.

The ruling party also stated that appeals will take place on March 23 and zonal congresses will take place on March 18 throughout the zones.

Article 11: A(i–xiii) and Article 17(i) of the party’s constitution govern the congresses and the national convention, respectively.

Many people are wondering how the party plans to handle the results of the congresses and national convention before the 2027 general elections, as the party’s governors have given their approval for them to take place on time.

The Progressive Governors Forum chairman, Senator Hope Uzodinma, stated, “The Forum reviewed and endorsed the proposed schedule and institutional framework as approved by NEC for the forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention.”

However, in advance of the 2026 national convention, the Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), and party elders to maintain the current zoning scheme in the interest of justice, equity, and unity.

Dr. Dominic Alancha, its convener, stated that the stakeholders believed it was patriotic and appropriate to express their collective stance on important matters that would promote stability, unity, and the APC’s smooth election victory.

In order to help the party in the state, Alancha also urged the leadership in different geopolitical zones to investigate microzoning agreements based on equity and balance.

“The Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum firmly supports the preservation of the current zoning formula as adopted and implemented by our party,” he stated.

Zoning continues to be a stabilizing mechanism that fosters national balance, equity, inclusivity, and a sense of community among the many parts of our party and the federation.

At a time when maintaining national unity is crucial, breaking this formula or changing it could lead to needless conflict and erode internal harmony. Therefore, in the sake of unity, equity, and justice, we urge the National Executive Committee (NEC), President Bola Tinubu, party elders, and other stakeholders to maintain the current zoning arrangement.

Additionally, the Forum supported Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s current national chairman, for continuity.

It clarified that the party has seen significant stability under his direction, as well as advancements in internal party harmony, party management, membership recruitment, and strategic realignment for future electoral victory.

The National Chairman would be able to build on current reforms and programs to stabilize the party, improve institutional memory and discipline, and improve readiness for future electoral difficulties if there was continuity, the Forum noted.

We firmly believe that keeping seasoned leaders at the top of our party will make the APC stand out as Nigeria’s most prominent progressive political party, the statement read.

In order to reduce tenseness before the 2027 elections, it is now unclear if the party would maintain the current zoning scheme for party offices or propose a new zoning formula.