APC Chieftain Issues Strong Warning Over Party Structures and Governors
Hon Yekini Nabena, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has raised serious concerns about the party's direction ahead of nationwide congresses. In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Nabena warned the Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda-led National Working Committee (NWC) against ceding all party structures to incumbent governors.
Risk of Mass Alienation and Internal Crisis
Nabena emphasized that such a move would breed resentment among party members and deprive genuine supporters of opportunities. He stressed that the 2027 general elections are fundamentally about engaging the masses, not just a select few in power corridors. According to him, "the report we are getting is that all the nomination forms are being delivered to the Governors, who will eventually determine who becomes what by selection. This will not end well. In fact, it will be the beginning of an internal crisis which may lead to implosion."
The Bayelsa state APC chieftain highlighted that the APC's membership has dwindled from 40 million registered members to struggling to reach 10 million in ongoing electronic registration. He appealed to the NWC not to chase away the remaining masses within the party.
Call for Presidential Intervention and Fair Processes
Nabena urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene before the commencement of the congresses nationwide. He called on the NWC to correct ongoing mistakes by ensuring free and fair processes, including selling nomination forms to all interested contestants to avoid litigation and friction across states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He pointed out that many NWC members, including the National Chairman, were appointed rather than elected, which could influence their decisions. "We will not be surprised if this prediction comes true because the National Chairman himself and more than half of the entire NWC didn't go through the election. They were appointed. So, what do you expect?" Nabena stated.
Broader Political Context and Implications
This warning comes amid heightened political tensions in Nigeria, with the 2027 elections approaching. The APC faces challenges such as the departure of former national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has intensified opposition. Additionally, issues like the Rivers state crisis, where Yilwatda distanced the APC from the Wike-Fubara conflict, add to the party's complexities.
Nabena's statement underscores the need for inclusive party management to prevent internal strife and maintain voter confidence. As public reactions highlight growing political tensions, his appeal serves as a critical reminder of the importance of democratic processes within political parties.
