APC Support Group Clarifies Zoning, Backs Retention of NWC Positions Ahead of Convention
By OGB Joseph, Abuja
A support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that the party’s zoning arrangement ahead of its national convention will maintain existing allocations of key leadership positions across regions.
Speaking to journalists at the APC National Secretariat, the Director-General of the Prince Simon Ali Support Organization, Prince Dominic Alancha, said the party had already made its position clear when it released the guidelines and notice for the upcoming national convention.
According to Alancha, the party leadership decided that positions currently assigned to specific regions and states within the National Working Committee (NWC) would remain in those locations.
He explained that under the arrangement, the position of National Chairman remains in the North Central zone, while other NWC offices already domiciled in the region—such as Deputy National Secretary and Deputy National Publicity Secretary—will also remain there.
Alancha added that the zoning structure cuts across other regions of the country. For instance, the office of National Legal Adviser is zoned to the North East, while the National Secretary position remains with the South South.
He described the decision as a deliberate move by the party to preserve balance while still allowing members from the designated states and zones to contest for the positions.
“The party, in what I believe is a well-considered decision, has resolved that positions already domiciled in particular states will be sustained,” Alancha said, adding that this arrangement still guarantees inclusiveness because eligible members from those states are free to contest.
Addressing concerns about whether the zoning arrangement could exclude some states, Alancha acknowledged that his home state of Benue currently has no position in the National Working Committee.
He revealed that he had earlier shown interest in contesting for the position of Deputy National Publicity Secretary but stepped back after the party clarified that the office is already domiciled in Kogi State.
“I am a party man, and I will not do anything that goes against my party,” he said, noting that while Benue may not currently hold an NWC position, members from the state will continue to support the party’s decisions in the interest of unity.
Alancha also dismissed claims that aspirants from certain zones were being denied nomination forms.
He cited the example of a colleague who had successfully paid for and received a receipt for the position of Deputy National Vice Chairman for the South South.
“If the party refuses to issue forms after payment, that would create issues the party would not want to contend with,” he said.
The APC is expected to hold its national convention on March 27 and 28, where new leaders of the party’s National Working Committee will emerge.
Alancha reiterated that the Prince Simon Ali Support Organization remains committed to promoting unity within the party and ensuring that the democratic process remains open to all interested members.
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