APC May Opt for Consensus Arrangement Ahead of Convention

APC May Opt for Consensus Arrangement Ahead of Convention
Governors position themselves to influence party leadership and future elections.
Internal rivalries in key states may affect party cohesion and strategy.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) may adopt a consensus approach in electing new members of its National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of its March 2026 national convention. The party’s National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda Nentawe, through his media aide Abimbola Tooki, confirmed that consensus remains the preferred method for filling key positions, particularly where interests can be harmonised.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Tooki told Daily Sun that APC leaders at all levels would be carried along in the process. “Consensus is our first option before considering open contests,” he said, noting that it ensures smooth transitions and party cohesion.

The convention, scheduled for March, will elect NWC members for a four-year term. While consensus is the primary option, some positions may still witness contestation as governors and stakeholders seek to consolidate influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Governors from Delta, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Enugu, Bayelsa, Plateau, Taraba, Ondo, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom are reportedly positioning themselves to secure strategic footholds within the party.

Political tensions are rising in several states. In Delta, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to APC may threaten Mr Felix Morka’s NWC seat, while in Edo, Governor Monday Okpebholo seeks to install a loyalist, challenging former national chairman Adams Oshiomhole’s influence. Plateau and Akwa Ibom are also emerging as key battlegrounds, with governors navigating complex local power dynamics.

The tenure of the current NWC, inaugurated in March 2022, expires next month. While officers are eligible for re-election, party insiders suggest practical considerations and internal rivalries may limit the prospects for some incumbents.

APC Consensus Arrangement APC Consensus Arrangement — APC May Opt for Consensus Arrangement Ahead of Convention

With party primaries expected mid-year, the outcome of the national convention is pivotal for APC’s internal cohesion and its preparedness for the 2027 elections. Governors see control of the NWC as critical to safeguarding political interests and influencing candidate selection across the federation.