Northern Governors Influence Continuity at APC Convention Despite Tensions

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) convenes for its Eighth National Convention at Eagle Square in Abuja, a significant, yet understated, shift in power dynamics is unfolding behind the public show of unity. Northern governors are positioning themselves as central figures in bolstering the party's continuity efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.

The event is expected to attract over 8,000 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the primary agenda being the ratification of the party's National Working Committee (NWC), including the anticipated endorsement of the current leadership.

Public narratives emphasize cohesion and President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” initiative, but underlying factions suggest a more intricate balance of power.

In the lead-up to the convention, northern governors have played crucial roles in zoning negotiations, committee frameworks, and pre-convention activities, significantly influencing party decisions. Their authority has been bolstered by the recent reintegration of APC control across northern states following key governors' defections.

A fundamental aspect of their influence is the collective decision to maintain the present zoning arrangement for NWC positions. The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), featuring a strong northern contingent, has advocated for the continuation of this framework during President Tinubu’s tenure. This strategy effectively eliminates immediate disputes regarding the allocation of important offices.

Under this zoning framework, the National Chairman's position remains within the North-central zone, currently occupied by Nentawe Yilwatda. Additionally, roles such as Deputy National Chairman (North) and National Publicity Secretary will continue without change. APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka affirmed that the established zoning system remains in force for the convention, as detailed in the party's activity schedule.

This preservation of the existing structure, framed as a pursuit of balance and stability, safeguards established power centers while minimizing the chances of disruptive disagreements.

Furthermore, northern representatives are prominent in key organizational roles within the convention's operational structures. Aminu Masari, the former governor of Katsina State, chairs the Central Coordination Committee, which has reportedly expanded to include roughly 90 members. Additional important roles are held by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim as Vice Chairman I and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq as Vice Chairman II, establishing a critical bridge connecting governors, party leadership, and the Presidency. Initially appointed as chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has been reassigned as Treasurer, overseeing financial and logistical aspects of the convention.

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, who previously served as APC's national chairman, acts as secretary for administrative oversight, documentation, and delegation functions. On the digital front, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago leads the Digital and New Media Sub-Committee, crucial for managing real-time narratives and online mobilization during the convention.

While the committee represents a national distribution, the roles secured by northern governors afford them significant control over logistics, coordination, administration, and communications — all vital for directing convention results.

Pre-convention strategies across northern zones indicate strong political coordination. A recent congress in Kaduna saw all seven governors from the North-west unite, including recent APC arrivals like Abba Yusuf from Kano and Dauda Lawal from Zamfara, alongside prominent party members and leaders from the National Assembly. Similar events in the North-east and North-central have led to consensus-driven leadership outcomes that align with the party's continuity agenda.

This organized political machinery translates into considerable delegate power during the convention, enabling the northern bloc to advocate unified positions on critical matters such as zoning retention and leadership confirmation.

Nonetheless, internal disparities persist despite this coordination. The APC North-central Forum has publicly criticized National Chairman Yilwatda for allegedly omitting some stakeholders from discussions within the zone. Chairman Saleh Zazzaga issued a statement claiming marginalization after members strengthened the party's standing in Plateau State through the defection of Governor Caleb Muftwang from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While the forum has refrained from opposing Yilwatda's anticipated confirmation, this discord highlights ongoing demands for representation and acknowledgment within the broader northern coalition.

Further discontent is voiced by aspirants from the South-south, who are raising alarms over perceived irregularities in the sale and distribution of nomination forms, with threats of legal action looming. Party officials, including Felix Morka, have labeled these grievances as isolated incidents, asserting the process's adherence to established party guidelines and regulatory norms. Information Minister Mohammed Idris reiterated that the convention’s activities, including congress and screening sessions, have proceeded in an orderly manner.

This divergence underscores different engagement strategies: while northern representatives have generally navigated through consensus-building, dissent from other regions has been more openly expressed.

Expectations for the convention suggest a smooth endorsement of leadership and a reinforcement of the party’s continuity agenda. Observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are set to monitor the proceedings, adding a layer of institutional oversight to the event outcomes.

However, the circumstances leading up to the convention indicate that APC's internal cohesion is delicately maintained rather than assured. Ongoing disputes in the North-central, concerns from Southern hopefuls, and subdued tensions over procedural transparency hint at underlying fractures that may arise after the convention. For President Tinubu, maintaining stability through these internal alliances is vital as the party gears up for the upcoming 2027 electoral cycle. The durability of this carefully brokered balance will ultimately shape the APC's resilience as it approaches the elections.