By David Lawani, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reinforced its commitment to zoning as a guiding principle for leadership selection ahead of its national convention, warning that attempts to contest outside designated regional slots could undermine party stability and create avoidable tension within its ranks.
Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, Aminu Bello Masari, said the zoning arrangement reflects the party’s adherence to federal character and equitable power distribution, stressing that compliance remains essential for unity and internal order.
According to him, the party has clearly allocated positions across geopolitical zones to ensure fairness, inclusiveness and balance in leadership representation.
“The APC is a responsible political institution guided by the principle of federal character. Every position has been carefully zoned, and aspirants are expected to respect that arrangement in the overall interest of stability,” Masari said.
He cautioned that disregard for the zoning framework could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to introduce confusion into the party’s internal process, warning that such actions risk weakening cohesion ahead of a crucial political transition.
“When zoning has been established, and an individual insists on contesting from outside the designated zone, it raises serious concerns about motive. The party cannot allow avoidable disruption of its processes,” he stated.
Masari also dismissed suggestions of legal disputes over the zoning formula, noting that the party had not been formally served with any court processes challenging the arrangement.
*8,453 delegates expected as party stresses internal discipline
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said preparations for the convention had been completed, with 8,453 accredited delegates expected to converge to participate in decision-making, leadership elections, and discussions on policy direction.
He explained that the convention represents a major institutional milestone, reflecting the party’s commitment to internal democracy, a structured transition, and the continuity of leadership ideals.
“The convention goes beyond routine procedure. It demonstrates organisational discipline, continuity in leadership development and the capacity of the party to manage change in a transparent and orderly manner,” Idris said.
According to him, operational frameworks have been fully activated to ensure coordination, efficiency, and credibility throughout the exercise, and he described the event as a reflection of political maturity and institutional stability.
He added that the convention, themed Unity in Progress, Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscores the party’s resolve to maintain cohesion while strengthening structures that support governance objectives and national development priorities.
Idris maintained that the party has evolved mechanisms that encourage broader participation, clearer rules and improved accountability, which he said have enhanced confidence in its internal processes.
“Our internal systems have continued to improve over time, giving stakeholders greater confidence in the credibility and predictability of our leadership transition processes,” he added.
Party leaders expressed optimism that adherence to established guidelines would ensure a smooth convention, reinforcing unity and strategic focus as the party prepares for future electoral engagements.
