APC Youth Leaders Allege Denial of Nomination Forms Ahead of National Convention

Tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as key youth leaders accuse the party of denying aspirant nomination forms, raising concerns about transparency and inclusiveness ahead of the national convention.

Dagogo Fubara, Director-General of the APC States Assembly Forum, told Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Tuesday that despite meeting all requirements, he and his colleagues were unable to obtain forms necessary to contest in the upcoming convention.

Allegations of Restricted Access

Fubara revealed that although the aspirants had paid the requisite fees and cleared all procedural requirements, they were informed at the party’s organising department that forms had already been exhausted.

Akahi News gathered that Fubara, a veteran in the party’s internal processes, expressed surprise at the development, noting that similar hurdles were not encountered in previous conventions. He highlighted that the move particularly affects members from the ACN (Action Congress of Nigeria) extraction, who have consistently contributed to party growth and leadership development.

“The organisers claim they printed limited copies of the forms,” Fubara said, questioning the fairness of restricting access after aspirants had fulfilled all obligations.

Concerns About Youth Participation

Fubara emphasised that the convention was expected to usher in a wave of younger leaders, especially under the mentorship of President Bola Tinubu, who he said had nurtured many youth aspirants over the years.

Akahi News learnt that the youth leaders view the denial of forms as a direct impediment to generational renewal and the inclusion of fresh voices within the party’s leadership structure.

This situation raises a philosophical question for political parties: in an organisation built on merit and internal democracy, should access ever be limited in ways that appear selective or opaque?

Historical Context and Party Dynamics

Fubara noted that he has been actively participating in APC conventions since 2012, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the party. According to him, the denial of forms signals a worrying trend in party management that may discourage experienced and youthful aspirants alike.

Akahi News gathered that such incidents often spark internal debates about fairness, transparency, and the future of political participation, especially for members outside the inner circle.

Yet, one might ask: does limiting aspirant participation serve strategic interests, or does it risk alienating the very base that sustains the party?

Moving Forward: Questions of Accountability

While Fubara’s claims await formal response from the APC National Working Committee, the allegations have already provoked public discussion about the integrity of party processes. Observers note that the party’s handling of such matters could have implications for trust, unity, and electoral outcomes.

The situation invites reflection on a broader political question: in a democratic system, how can parties balance internal control with fairness and inclusivity to maintain legitimacy?

Youth Aspirants at a Crossroads

The denial of nomination forms, as alleged by Fubara, shines a spotlight on internal challenges within Nigeria’s ruling party. For youth aspirants hoping to contest, the episode may serve as both a caution and a call for reform.

In the end, one question remains for party leaders and members alike: can a political party that limits access to opportunity still claim to represent the ideals of fairness, meritocracy, and renewal?

By Joseph Iyaji | https://akahinews.org
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
https://akahinews.org www.akahinews.org