The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress has assured long-standing members of the party that recent entrants will not be allowed to dominate or take over established leadership structures.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda stressed the need to balance inclusion while protecting the interests of foundational members of the party.
He drew a distinction between founding members and newer entrants, stating that both groups must be accommodated but without allowing any side to overwhelm the other politically.
According to him, the party will adopt a structured power-sharing arrangement designed to ensure fair representation across different blocs within the organisation.
He explained that the framework would include gender inclusion, ensuring women occupy substantive executive positions rather than symbolic roles.
Yilwatda also highlighted geopolitical balancing across Nigeria’s six zones, alongside increased inclusion of indigenous groups in the FCT and stronger youth participation in party structures.
He confirmed that a committee led by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, has been working on zoning and internal arrangements within the FCT APC structure.
He added that the committee’s recommendations have largely been followed and that no formal complaints of unfair treatment have been received so far.
The APC chairman further emphasized that party constitution provisions would be strictly enforced during upcoming congresses, particularly regarding tenure limits and eligibility for leadership positions.
He noted that members who have held the same office for eight consecutive years must step aside or seek alternative roles within the party structure.
On the issue of political defectors, he stated that anyone seeking leadership positions must present evidence of resignation from their previous party, including official acceptance of such resignation.
He reiterated that inclusion remains a core principle guiding his leadership approach, describing it as essential for maintaining unity and stability within the party.
