The All Progressives Congress has debunked speculations of a zoning
arrangement ahead of its national convention scheduled for June 12 and
June 13.
The Deputy Chairman, National Convention Committee, Sen. Chris Ngige, made
the denial while briefing newsmen at the end of the inauguration of the
convention sub-committees on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that the party did not in any way agree to zone any particular
position to any region, saying that all members of the party had equal
right to contest.
“We have not zoned any office to anywhere and you know that zoning is a
conceptual arrangement, so even if we agree it will be a sort of
gentleman’s agreement.
“Therefore, the party will not deny anybody of his right as enshrined in
the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ngige said.
He expressed the party’s determination to conduct free, fair, credible and
transparent election that would give APC reliable and responsible leaders.
According to him, the committee has made adequate provision to ensure
hitch-free exercise before, during and after the convention.
“APC National Convention Committee is well prepared, as you can see all
the committee members are here and everything is already working out fine.
“Nigerians will see a convention that is transparent. Democratically
elected leaders will emerge to steer the affairs of our party for the next
four years.”
The lawmaker noted that the convention would produce leaders who would
move the party to the desired level.
He said that many aspirants had obtained forms for different positions in
the party.
Ngige said that APC was ready to initiate programmes that would create
employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and make the
country attractive to both local and international investors.