• Inaugurates 91-man media, publicity sub-committee
• We’re committed to unity, democratic values, says party boss

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention, support groups have purchased Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Women Leader, Mary Idele.
 
However, an aspirant for the position of National Secretary has alleged that he was denied access to the Nomination form.
 
Meanwhile, the party has inaugurated a 91-member Media and Publicity Subcommittee to coordinate communication activities ahead of the convention scheduled to be held between March 27 and 28, 2026.
 
Yilwatda said leadership in the ruling party must be anchored on integrity, humility and a firm commitment to the country’s progress.  
 
The Prince Simon Ali Support Organisation purchased the N10 million Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms for the retention of Yilwatda as National Chairman.
 
Director-General of the group, Dominic Alancha, said the decision was taken to demonstrate the group’s confidence in the chairman’s leadership and his capacity to lead the party to victory in future elections.
 
Alancha explained that the group had, in January, endorsed Yilwatda’s continued leadership and decided to consolidate that position by purchasing the forms on his behalf.
 
“We did that because we believe the national chairman has the capacity and confidence to move this party forward and lead us into the upcoming elections with guaranteed victory,” he said.
 
He stressed that the payment for the forms was not made in his personal capacity but on behalf of the Prince Simon Ali Support Organisation.
 
On whether he intends to contest the position of Deputy National Publicity Secretary occupied by Duro Meseko from Kogi State, Alancha said he had yet to purchase the nomination form.
 
He also dismissed claims that aspirants from states where certain party positions were domiciled were being denied nomination forms, noting that some individuals from those areas had successfully obtained forms.

Meanwhile, scores of women from the six geopolitical zones of the country have also expressed support for the retention of Idele as the party’s National Women Leader.
 
Led by Joyce Ibrahim, the women procured the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for Idele and called for increased participation of women in Nigeria’s political process.
  
They urged female voters to actively engage in elections and policy advocacy, stressing that competence and performance should determine support for women in public office.

THE media and publicity sub-committee, chaired by Mai Mala Buni, is expected to oversee media coordination, publicity and information management for the ruling party’s convention.
 
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the coming convention as a major milestone for the party as it seeks to strengthen internal democracy and deepen its political direction.
 
Idris, who serves as co-chairman of the subcommittee, joined the meeting virtually from London, where he is accompanying President Tinubu ahead of his scheduled state visit to the United Kingdom from March 17 to 19.

IN a statement, Yilwatda stated that the APC leadership “remains focused on building a party structure that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians and strengthens democratic governance” across the country.
 
The party chairman stressed that leadership should be viewed as a responsibility to serve the people with accountability and dedication to national development.
 
He also emphasised the importance of unity within the party, noting that a cohesive political platform was critical for national stability and progress.
 
According to him, the party will continue to deepen internal democracy and ensure that members feel valued in the collective effort to advance Nigeria’s development.
 
“Unity within the party is vital to sustaining national stability and strengthening our democratic culture,” he said.
 
Yilwatda added that “democracy flourishes where institutions are respected and citizens’ voices are heard,” stressing that the “APC is committed to promoting transparent leadership and strengthening democratic processes” both within the party and across the country.