The APC Congresses timetable outlines ward to national processes, membership validation, leadership elections and reforms shaping the party’s internal democracy
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally rolled out a comprehensive timetable that will guide its internal democratic processes ahead of its next national convention.
The schedule, which spans from grassroots activities to the election of national officers, signals a major organisational exercise designed to strengthen party structures nationwide.
According to party officials, the APC Congresses are intended to realign leadership at all levels while ensuring that the party’s membership database is credible, updated and reflective of its current support base.
The plan was approved during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, underscoring the importance attached to the exercise by the party leadership.
The process commenced with a nationwide electronic membership registration that began on December 1.
This digital exercise, which will run until January 30, 2026, is aimed at validating existing members and accommodating new entrants.
Party leaders believe that a transparent membership register is essential to the credibility of the upcoming APC Congresses, especially at the ward and local government levels where disputes often arise.
Following the completion of the e-registration, formal notices for the conduct of ward and local government congresses will be issued to state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory in early February.
This step officially opens the window for political activities at the grassroots level, where party structures play a critical role in mobilising support during elections.
Nomination forms for aspirants seeking ward and local government positions will be available for purchase and submission within a clearly defined period.
The APC has emphasised that screening processes will be strictly enforced to ensure that only qualified and constitutionally eligible members contest in the APC Congresses.
Screening panels are expected to examine credentials, party loyalty and adherence to internal rules.
Ward congresses are scheduled to take place first, forming the foundation upon which higher-level congresses will be built.
These ward-level elections are particularly significant because they determine local party executives who often serve as the first point of contact between the party and the electorate.
Recognising the likelihood of disputes, the party has made provisions for appeals shortly after the ward congresses.
Local government congresses will follow, with an additional responsibility of selecting delegates to the national convention.
Each local government is expected to elect three delegates, with at least one woman included, reflecting the party’s stated commitment to gender inclusion.
This stage of the APC Congresses is considered crucial, as delegates elected here will influence decisions at the national convention.
The timetable then shifts attention to the state level, where State Executive Committees will be elected. Nomination forms for state offices will be sold, followed by screening and elections at state congresses.
These state executives are responsible for coordinating party activities across local governments and are often influential in shaping political strategies ahead of general elections.
Zonal congresses represent another major phase of the exercise. Conducted simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones, the zonal elections will fill leadership positions that bridge the gap between state chapters and the national secretariat.
The party has designated different host cities for each zone to ensure smooth coordination.
Appeals arising from zonal congresses will be addressed promptly to avoid prolonged disputes.
The climax of the entire process will be the national convention, where national officers of the party will be elected and major policy directions debated.
The convention is expected to attract party leaders, elected officials, delegates and observers from across the country.
Decisions taken at this gathering will shape the APC’s organisational strength and political outlook in the years ahead.
Party insiders say the APC Congresses are not just routine internal elections but a strategic effort to reinforce unity, address internal grievances and reposition the party for future electoral contests.
With leadership positions at stake at every level, the exercise is likely to generate intense competition, negotiations and realignments within the party.
As the timetable unfolds, attention will be on how effectively the APC manages disputes, enforces internal democracy and ensures inclusiveness.
The success or failure of the process could have far-reaching implications for party cohesion and its ability to maintain relevance in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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