Countdown to APC’s March 2026 National Convention Begins

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) approved the proposed schedule and institutional framework for the upcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention. Last Wednesday, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) reviewed and approved the plan.

Recall that the ruling party declared that March 27 and 28, 2026, would be the dates of its national convention.

The ruling party did, however, alter the Congress timetable at the 183rd meeting of the party’s National Working Committee.

The Ward Congresses will now take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, while the National Convention will take place on March 27 and 28, 2026.

The APC unexpectedly declared that Osun, Ekiti, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory will not be represented at the next Congress.

“There are two explanations for the exceptions for those states, Osun, Ekiti, FCT, and Rivers,” said Felix Morka, the party’s national publicity secretary, while briefing reporters. Elections in One, Ekiti, Osun, and FCT are coming up. Therefore, in order to hold the elections, we are exempting them. Congresses will then be scheduled in those states.

In reference to Rivers, you may remember that last year we held congresses in Rivers state that were off-season-cycle. We cannot plan new congresses in River State until the term of the executive that was elected at that congress has ended because it is still in effect.

The ruling party further stated that appeals will take place on March 23 and zonal congresses would take place in each zone on March 18.

The party’s constitution’s Article 11: A(i–xiii) and Article 17(i) govern the congresses and national convention.

Many people are wondering how the party plans to handle the results of the national convention and congresses before the general elections in 2027, as the party’s governors have given their approval for them to take place on time.

“The proposed schedule and institutional framework as approved by NEC for the upcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention were reviewed and endorsed by the Forum,” stated Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Progressive Governors Forum chairman.

However, ahead of the 2026 national convention, the Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), and party elders to maintain the current zoning scheme for the sake of justice, equity, and unity.

Its convener, Dr. Dominic Alancha, stated that the stakeholders thought it was patriotic and appropriate to express their shared stance on important matters that would promote stability, unity, and the APC’s smooth election process.

Alancha further urged the leadership of the various geopolitical zones to investigate microzoning arrangements based on equity and balance in order to fortify the party in the state.

“The Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum unconditionally supports the retention of the current zoning formula as adopted and practiced by our party,” he stated.

Zoning continues to be a stabilizing mechanism that fosters national balance, equity, inclusivity, and a sense of community among the various factions within our party and the federation.

“Changing or abandoning this formula could cause needless stress and erode internal harmony at a time when national cohesiveness is crucial. In order to promote unity, equity, and justice, we so urge the National Executive Committee (NEC), President Bola Tinubu, party elders, and all interested parties to maintain the current zoning arrangement.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s current national chairman, was also approved by the Forum for continuity.

It clarified that under his direction, the party has seen significant stability, advancements in internal party harmony, party management and membership recruitment, and tactical realignment for future electoral triumph.

According to the Forum, continuity would allow the National Chairman to build on the changes and policies that have already been implemented to stabilize the party, improve institutional memory and discipline, and better prepare for future electoral difficulties.

It stated, “We firmly believe that keeping seasoned leaders at the top of our party will undoubtedly provide the APC with excellent visibility as the foremost progressive political party in Nigeria.”

It is now unclear if the party would maintain the current zoning scheme for party offices in order to reduce commotion before the 2027 elections or if it will propose a new zoning formula.