Nabena Warns APC Against Structure Cede

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has warned the party’s National Working Committee against ceding control of party structures to state governors ahead of its upcoming congresses. Nabena argued that such a move could provoke severe internal crises and alienate grassroots members just ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Nabena emphasized that handing over party structures from the ward to the state level to governors would breed deep resentment. He noted that this approach deprives loyal party men and women of a voice, ultimately threatening to chase away the remaining masses within the APC.

The Bayelsa-born chieftain stressed that electoral victory in 2027 depends on the support of ordinary Nigerians rather than political elites. He asserted that the upcoming electoral battle is a contest of the masses against a few individuals in the corridors of power, meaning ordinary party members must be carried along.

Nabena alleged that information from the party’s national secretariat suggests the NWC, led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, is preparing to transfer control of structures to sitting governors. He expressed concern that the National Chairman and many NWC members were appointed rather than elected, leading to a lack of understanding regarding the realities of contesting elections.

Calling for transparency in the forthcoming ward, local government, and state congresses, Nabena warned that excluding aspirants will spark legal disputes nationwide. He urged President Bola Tinubu and senior leaders to urgently intervene to prevent an inevitable implosion of the party.

Finally, Nabena lamented the decline in registered membership, noting that the party is struggling to maintain numbers compared to its previous highs. He insisted that the NWC must act wisely to protect the interests of the masses within the party.