A senior figure within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that nomination forms for the party’s upcoming national convention are being withheld from certain aspirants and reserved for incumbent officials. Umar Jijiwa, who serves as APC Youth Advocate and Director-General of the Youth Jagaban Network, made the claim during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Tuesday.
Jijiwa stated that members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) have not issued nomination forms to his group and others despite payment, asserting the documents are being held exclusively for current officeholders seeking re-election. “APC National Working Committee nomination forms were not issued to us after payment because they are being kept for those already in power,” he said. “They are not sharing these forms with anyone outside the team. They’re for the same team members who want to remain in power.”
His comments follow reports that the convention’s Organising Committee has declared the aspirant nomination forms exhausted. Jijiwa contradicted suggestions that specific candidates were externally favoured, instead claiming incumbents have effectively “anointed themselves” by controlling the distribution. “It’s not about candidates that were favoured. No. It’s the people that are there that gave forms to themselves that they are going to continue there,” he explained. “We paid, but then you did not give us form. Why? Because you only did one form, and you give it to the same person that is already there, that also has interest to stay there.”
The allegation points to a potential crisis in the APC’s internal democracy as it prepares for its national convention, a critical event for electing new party leadership. The convention, originally scheduled for earlier periods, has faced multiple delays, raising concerns about the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections. The Youth Jagaban Network, a prominent APC-affiliated group, has positioned itself as a platform for younger members, making Jijiwa’s accusation particularly significant for intra-party generational dynamics.
The APC National Working Committee has not yet issued a public response to the specific claims regarding form distribution. Analysts note that transparent and inclusive primaries are essential for maintaining party unity and public trust. The situation now places pressure on the party to clarify its nomination process and ensure equitable access for all aspirants ahead of the convention. The outcome will likely influence perceptions of the APC’s commitment to internal democracy as Nigeria’s political landscape evolves toward the next electoral cycle.
