Convention: APC defends zoning, confirms 8,453 delegates in Abuja

By Matthew Dennis

Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday defended its zoning arrangement ahead of its national convention, rejecting complaints from aspirants who said they were excluded after purchasing nomination forms.

Bello Masari, chairman of the party’s Convention Central Working Committee, said the zoning system was based on the federal character principle and aimed at ensuring regional balance within the party’s leadership structure.

“In line with the federal character principle, all offices are zoned,” Masari told reporters in Abuja. “If you come to buy a form, you must buy only for the position set aside for your zone.”

He dismissed claims of exclusion, warning that aspirants contesting outside their designated zones risk undermining party order. “If you are contesting for an office that is not zoned to your region, how can you say you are being democratic?” he said, adding that such actions could create confusion within the party.

Masari also addressed reports that some aggrieved aspirants were considering legal action, saying the party had not received any court filings. “We are not aware that anybody has gone to court; we have not been served,” he said. “If we are served, we will respond accordingly.”

The APC is preparing for its 8th National Convention, a key political event expected to shape party leadership ahead of future elections.

Officials said about 8,453 delegates had already arrived in Abuja for the gathering. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and chairman of the convention’s Media and Publicity Committee, said the party was ready to proceed with the event.

“All delegates have arrived safely, and we are prepared for a smooth and transparent convention,” Idris said, urging journalists to report responsibly.

Security and logistical preparations have intensified in the capital, with access roads leading to Eagle Square, the venue of the convention, closed to traffic.