APC Chieftain Cletus Obun Advocates for Equitable Zoning to Avert Party Crisis

Cletus Obun, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stressed the importance of establishing a fair zoning system for party positions as the APC prepares for its National Convention. He cautioned that a lopsided distribution of roles could foster internal discord and diminish the party's capacity to win elections.

During an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Obun stated that the APC's zoning framework must embrace fairness, adhere to constitutional guidelines, and ensure inclusivity across all geopolitical areas to maintain party unity.

He acknowledged that while the national zoning structure appears adequate, there are significant internal disparities within certain regions. Obun pointed to the South-South zone as an example of an area that has historically lacked adequate representation.

The APC chieftain emphasized that party appointments are designed to make all states feel recognized and included, noting that equitable zoning is fundamental to retaining grassroots support.

Obun elaborated that some states, like Cross River, are currently without representation in the party's National Working Committee following the departure of former officeholders, creating a deficit in political representation.

He warned that perpetuating the current distribution of positions without necessary adjustments could exacerbate feelings of marginalization among party members in regions that are underrepresented.

The APC leader contended that zoning should not solely focus on preserving existing arrangements but should also aim to rectify past inequities to guarantee fairness for all zones and states.

Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of intra-state zoning, highlighting that the internal diversity within regions must be taken into account to prevent the political exclusion of minority groups.

Obun cautioned that a failure to implement a more inclusive zoning policy could result in political apathy among the affected populations, potentially impacting voter turnout and the party's electoral performance.

He affirmed that while the APC has largely maintained unity, unresolved internal grievances could lead to friction if not addressed through fair zoning and appropriate political considerations.

Obun further advised against leadership imposing candidates or concentrating power in limited areas, warning that such actions could lead to what he termed “political imbalance and internal crisis.”

Despite these concerns, he expressed confidence in the party leadership's ability to navigate these issues through open discussion and equitable adjustments before the convention.

He asserted that achieving a balanced zoning approach would foster internal harmony, promote inclusivity, and position the APC for enhanced electoral success.

According to him, “You may enforce your party officers on your candidates; you will not be able to enforce your votes,” underscoring the critical link between internal party fairness and electoral outcomes.

Obun concluded by reiterating that equity, fairness, and internal justice are indispensable for preserving party unity and ensuring sustained political stability.