Ahead of its March 2026 national convention, indications have emerged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may adopt a consensus arrangement in electing new members of its National Working Committee.

The disclosure was made by the party’s National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda Nentawe, through his media aide, Abimbola Tooki.

Tooki told Daily Sun that the ruling party traditionally prefers consensus before considering open contests for key positions.

He said leaders of the party at all levels would be carried along in the process.

According to him, consensus remains the APC’s first option in filling positions in the NWC, especially where interests can be harmonised.

The party had announced in December 2025 that it would hold its national convention in March 2026, where new NWC members would be elected for a four-year term.

Despite the possibility of consensus, there are indications that some positions may be keenly contested as governors and key stakeholders move to consolidate influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party sources said the struggle to control the party’s structure involves governors who emerged before and after the 2023 elections, as well as recent defectors seeking to displace existing power blocs.

Governors from Delta, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Enugu, Bayelsa, Plateau, Taraba, Ondo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom are said to have begun moves to secure strategic footholds within the party.

Some governors assumed office after the current NWC was inaugurated in March 2022 at Eagle Square, Abuja, creating what insiders describe as a disconnect between state executives and the party’s national leadership.

Under Article 17(1) of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended), party officers serve a four-year term, meaning the current NWC’s tenure expires next month.

Although officers are eligible for re-election, a party chieftain said that while the constitution permits it, “it may not be practically feasible” under the prevailing political atmosphere.

The national chairman, Prof. Nentawe, and the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, are both eligible to seek a second term.

A source who spoke with Daily Sun hinted that the chairman’s path may be relatively smooth, given his endorsement by APC governors upon his emergence in late 2025.

However, the fate of the national secretary remains uncertain, though the South-West is expected to retain the position.

In Delta State, the position of Mr Felix Morka, an NWC member nominated by former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, is reportedly under threat following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to the APC and his rift with Omo-Agege.

Sources said the governor may push for Morka’s replacement as part of a broader restructuring of the state’s party leadership.

In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is said to be working to install a loyalist in the NWC, potentially challenging the influence of former national chairman Adams Oshiomhole, who previously held sway over the state’s party structure.

Kogi State is also emerging as a flashpoint, with James Abiodun Faleke, an ally of President Bola Tinubu, reportedly at odds with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo over control of national officers from the state.

In Plateau, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is locked in a leadership tussle with his predecessor, Senator Simon Lalong, raising the stakes given that the national chairman hails from the state.

Similarly, in Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno must navigate a complex political terrain dominated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whose loyalists currently control the party structure.

By contrast, Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu and Agbu Kefas of Taraba are believed to have consolidated control in their states and may play decisive roles in determining their states’ representatives at the national level.

With party primaries expected mid-year and general elections approaching next year, the outcome of the national convention is seen as pivotal.

Governors are said to view control of the NWC as essential to safeguarding their political interests and influencing candidate selection ahead of the next electoral cycle.

As the convention draws closer, whether the APC ultimately adopts consensus or faces open contests may shape the party’s internal cohesion and readiness for 2027.