Preparations for the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) convention have entered a crucial phase as the ruling party announced the commencement of the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for aspirants seeking positions in the party’s national leadership.
The sale of forms will begin on March 12 and is expected to attract aspirants contesting for various positions, including offices in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as well as other strategic structures within the party.
The development forms part of a broader timetable leading to the party’s national convention scheduled to take place on March 27 and 28 in Abuja.
The leadership of the party released an updated schedule outlining the steps toward the APC convention, including deadlines for submission of forms, screening processes, zonal congresses and the eventual national gathering where new leaders will emerge.
According to the timetable, aspirants interested in contesting for any of the available positions must submit their completed forms no later than March 16.
Party officials explained that the deadline is necessary to allow enough time for screening and verification of aspirants before the next stages of the process.
The notice announcing the process was signed by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, who emphasized that the party aims to conduct a transparent and orderly exercise ahead of the APC convention.
Under the guidelines released by the party, aspirants for all positions will pay a standard fee of ₦100,000 for the expression of interest form.
However, the cost of nomination forms differs depending on the position being contested.
Those seeking to contest for the highly influential position of National Chairman are expected to purchase nomination forms priced at ₦10 million.
Meanwhile, aspirants vying for the roles of Deputy National Chairman and National Secretary will each pay ₦7.5 million.
For other positions within the National Working Committee, nomination forms are set at ₦5 million each.
In addition, aspirants interested in positions within the National Executive Committee (NEC) are required to obtain their nomination forms at a cost of ₦250,000.
Party leaders noted that these fees are designed to help regulate the number of aspirants while also generating resources needed to organize the APC convention and other related activities across the country.
The party also introduced concessions for certain groups in a bid to encourage wider participation.
Female aspirants, youths and persons living with disabilities will only be required to pay the expression of interest fee and half of the nomination fee attached to the positions they intend to contest.
Observers believe the decision reflects the party’s attempt to promote inclusiveness and encourage more diverse representation within its leadership structure as the APC convention approaches.
In preparation for the screening process, the party has fixed March 23 for the inauguration of screening committees that will evaluate aspirants contesting in the zonal congresses and national leadership positions.
Appeal panels will also be inaugurated the same day to address any complaints arising from the exercise.
Following the inauguration, the screening of aspirants will take place on March 24.
During this stage, party officials will review the credentials, qualifications and eligibility of aspirants to ensure they meet the requirements for the positions they seek.
The next major stage will be the zonal congresses scheduled for March 25.
These congresses will take place simultaneously across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and will play a significant role in shaping the leadership structure of the party ahead of the national gathering.
The South-West zonal congress will be held in Ibadan, while the South-East zone will hold its meeting in Enugu.
In the South-South region, the congress will be jointly hosted by Rivers State and Cross River State.
For the northern zones, the North-West congress will take place in Kaduna. The North-East congress will be co-hosted by Gombe State and Bauchi State, while the North-Central zone will gather in Nasarawa State.
Party officials explained that the outcomes of the zonal congresses will influence the direction of leadership negotiations ahead of the APC convention, where national officers are expected to be elected.
Appeals arising from the results of the zonal congresses will be heard on March 26, allowing aggrieved aspirants or party members to challenge outcomes before the national event.
The APC convention scheduled for March 27 and 28 will bring together party leaders, delegates and stakeholders from across the country.
During the event, the party will elect or confirm new members of the National Working Committee and take key decisions regarding its future political strategy.
Political analysts say the upcoming convention is particularly significant because it will shape the leadership structure of the ruling party ahead of future electoral contests.
The process is also expected to test the party’s ability to manage internal competition while maintaining unity among its members.
As the date draws closer, attention will remain on how the party handles the screening process, zonal negotiations and consensus-building efforts that often influence leadership outcomes within major political parties in Nigeria.
Ireport247news
