APC National Convention: Fubara Alleges ‘Tactical Exclusion’, Sparks Fresh Crisis

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a surge of internal turbulence just days ahead of its National Convention, scheduled for March 26 and 27 at Eagle Square, Abuja.

Aspirants have raised alarms over what they describe as a “tactical approach” by party leadership to sideline certain candidates through the deliberate withholding of nomination forms.

Allegations of Obstruction and “Assigned” SeatsAmong the most vocal critics is Dagogo Fubara, an aspirant for the Zonal Vice Chairman (South-South) position. In a formal petition, Fubara claimed that despite paying ₦5.1 million, he has been repeatedly denied access to the necessary forms.

“ I do not wish to believe that the delay or refusal… is a tactical approach to exclude me,” Fubara stated, noting that the complex filing process requires at least four days to complete.

Similarly, National Secretary aspirant Oyiborume Paul Yovwe alleged that after paying ₦7.5 million, the party’s finance department refused to issue him a receipt. Yovwe claimed he was told the position had already been “assigned to one person.”

Zoning Tensions and Leadership Response
The party leadership, however, maintains that the process is strictly governed by its established zoning formula. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka previously warned that candidates must comply with these regional assignments to remain eligible.
Under the current framework:

• National Secretary: Zoned to the South-West.
• National Chairman: Support groups have already purchased forms for incumbent Nentawe Yilwatda to retain his seat.
  Because Mr. Yovwe hails from Delta State (South-South), his bid for the South-West-zoned Secretary position is technically invalid under party rules. Abimbola Tooki, media aide to the APC National Chairman, dismissed claims of foul play, asserting that “eligibility is strictly based on compliance with zoning arrangements” to ensure order.
  
• AParty Divided
  Despite these assurances, the controversy has exposed deep fractures between the Progressive Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly caucus, and various regional blocs.
• With reports of limited forms being printed for key offices, the APC heads into its convention under a cloud of suspicion regarding the influence of behind-the-scenes power brokers.