A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has cautioned the party against ceding control of its structures to incumbent governors ahead of the nationwide congresses scheduled to determine leadership across wards, local governments, and states.
The warning underscores concerns about potential internal crises that could weaken the party’s grassroots support and overall cohesion.
The APC is currently preparing for a series of congresses aimed at consolidating leadership structures in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
These congresses, which span ward, local government, and state levels, are pivotal to the party’s strategy of mobilizing support from the grassroots upward.
However, Nabena stressed that if governors are allowed to dominate the process, it could sideline loyal party members who have worked tirelessly to build the APC’s influence at the local level.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, Nabena emphasized that handing over party machinery to governors would generate resentment among rank-and-file members, depriving them of the opportunity to participate meaningfully in leadership selection.
He warned that such actions could alienate long-standing supporters and diminish the APC’s appeal to the general electorate.
“The 2027 elections will be driven by popular participation. If the masses are sidelined by a few powerful individuals, the APC risks losing its credibility and grassroots momentum,” Nabena said.
He argued that internal democracy should remain the cornerstone of the party’s operations, particularly at a time when voter engagement will be critical to electoral success.
Nabena further alleged that intelligence from the APC national secretariat suggests that the current National Working Committee (NWC), led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, may be preparing to hand over party structures in states to incumbent governors.
He questioned the legitimacy of this move, pointing out that several members of the NWC, including the National Chairman, were appointed rather than elected.
This, he argued, could encourage a culture of favoritism and discourage fair competition among aspirants.
Reports indicate that nomination forms for the upcoming congresses may be routed through governors, who could then determine party officials by selection instead of open elections.
Nabena warned that this practice could lead to legal challenges, internal disputes, and, in extreme cases, the fragmentation of the party at critical levels.
To prevent these outcomes, he urged the APC leadership to ensure transparency by making nomination forms available to all eligible aspirants across wards, local governments, states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
He stressed that an open and inclusive process is necessary to maintain party unity and avoid litigation that could weaken the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nabena also called on senior party elders and President Bola Tinubu to intervene in order to safeguard internal democracy.
He pointed out that while the APC once boasted nearly 40 million registered members, its ongoing electronic membership registration appears to struggle to reach 10 million.
This decline, he said, should serve as a warning that concentration of power in the hands of a few governors could further alienate grassroots supporters and reduce membership participation.
“The APC’s strength has always depended on broad-based participation,” Nabena noted.
“If governors monopolize the selection process, the party risks losing touch with ordinary members, which could have serious consequences during the elections.”
Political analysts have observed that internal party disputes over control of structures are not uncommon in major parties, particularly during pre-election periods.
However, Nabena’s warnings carry particular weight because they reflect concerns from a senior party figure who has firsthand experience in both communication and organizational strategy within the APC.
The former deputy spokesman also highlighted that a transparent nomination process is essential for nurturing new leadership talent and ensuring the APC remains competitive in the 2027 elections.
By providing equal access to nomination forms and guaranteeing that all aspirants can contest fairly, the party can reinforce confidence among members and reduce the risk of post-congress conflicts.
Nabena concluded by urging that any intervention should focus on inclusivity and fairness, stressing that protecting the APC’s democratic structures at every level is vital.
He reiterated that allowing governors to dictate leadership selection would not only weaken internal democracy but could also diminish the party’s appeal to the electorate, threatening its long-term sustainability.
With the APC now facing both internal and external political challenges, Nabena’s cautionary note serves as a timely reminder that the party’s strength lies in participation, transparency, and respect for the grassroots.
Ensuring that congresses are free, fair, and inclusive is critical to maintaining credibility, membership engagement, and ultimately, electoral success in 2027.
Ireport247news
