The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has resolved to maintain its existing zoning arrangement for national offices ahead of its National Convention scheduled for March 27 and 28.
Under the current arrangement, the position of National Chairman remains zoned to the North-Central region, while the office of National Secretary is retained for the South-West.
The decision, according to party sources, is aimed at ensuring a smooth and rancour-free convention as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the party said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that national officers who had already served two terms should not seek re-election, while those who had completed only one term would be allowed to return.
With this arrangement, the current APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, is expected to be endorsed at the convention for another term. Similarly, Ajibola Basiru is likely to return as the party’s National Secretary.
A party source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also indicated that some officials who have completed two terms would not contest again. These include APC National Vice Chairman, South-South, Victor Giadom, and National Vice Chairman, North-East, Salihu Mustapha.
“Those that have spent one term will come back. Those that have spent two terms will not come back. Asiwaju is being careful; he does not want the process to be hijacked,” the source said.
Another party insider confirmed that the position of National Chairman had largely been settled in favour of Yilwatda, although the fate of Basiru as National Secretary remained uncertain due to internal concerns that reportedly arose late last year.
Last week, Yilwatda inaugurated the National Central Coordinating Committee for the party’s convention. The committee is chaired by former Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari.
Speaking during the inauguration, Yilwatda described the convention as more than a routine gathering, noting that it represents an affirmation of democratic values and a demonstration of the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
He added that Masari brings decades of experience, integrity and deep knowledge of party administration to the assignment.
