From Victor Osula, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC, has settled for consensus arrangement to strengthen party unity ahead of its national convention scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2026, in Abuja, in what stakeholders describe as a strategic move to ensure cohesion and a seamless leadership transition.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday by Mrs. Mary Ikoku, Assistant Secretary, Media and Publicity of the APC National Convention 2026, during her appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels television programme.
Ikoku explained that the consensus model would guide the emergence of national officers at the convention, noting that it reflects the party’s commitment to stability and internal harmony.
“APC, for this convention, I am aware and can say that the party is adopting consensus for this convention. As to whether they are adopting consensus for elective positions, I do not have an answer to that because politics is local,” she said.
Ikoku however said while consensus is being applied at the national level, the approach to elective positions during primaries may differ across states and constituencies, depending on local political dynamics.
Speaking on the Electoral Act, Ikoku noted that the law clearly outlines permissible modes of candidate selection, including direct primaries and consensus, while excluding indirect primaries.
She acknowledged that compliance with these provisions may present challenges but emphasised that they are essential for strengthening democratic processes.
According to her, criticisms from opposition parties regarding the law point to gaps in preparedness.
“We have an electoral law that defines the models for these elections. Direct primaries and consensus have been allowed, while indirect primary has been taken out. That is the current law of the nation.
“That would be to say there are levels of unpreparedness of these political parties. Any political party that is worth its salt should not wait till election season to start preparing,” she stated.
Meanwhile, preparations for the convention have intensified, with the party successfully screening aspirants for positions in its National Working Committee (NWC).
Among those screened are the National Chairman aspirant, Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary aspirant, Ajibola Basiru. Also cleared are several incumbent NWC members seeking to retain their positions, including the National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori; National Legal Adviser, Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana; National Woman Leader, Mary Alile Idele; and National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, among others..
