Ahead of the nationwide congresses of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Yekini Nabena, has warned that the party risks a deep internal crisis if the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda proceeds to hands over party structures to incumbent governors across the country.

Nabena cautioned that ceding control of APC structures from the ward to local government and state levels to governors would breed resentment, marginalise loyal party members, and further weaken the party’s grassroots base.

The Bayelsa State born politician in a statement on Wednesday said such actions could set the party on a dangerous path ahead of the 2027 general elections, which he described as a contest between the masses and a few individuals in the corridors of power.

According to him, information from the APC national secretariat indicates that the current NWC may be preparing to formally hand over party structures to governors in their respective states, a move he warned could trigger internal discontent and instability.

He said it was not too late for the party leadership to reverse course and ensure free, fair, and credible congresses nationwide to avoid a looming crisis.

“We will not be surprised if this prediction comes true because the National Chairman himself and more than half of the NWC did not emerge through elections; they were appointed. So, what do you expect?” Nabena said.

He urged the NWC to make nomination forms available to all interested aspirants at all levels, warning that selective distribution could spark litigation, deepen divisions, and worsen internal tensions across states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Nabena further argued that several members of the current NWC required proper guidance, noting that many lacked firsthand experience in contesting and winning party elections.

“As the party prepares for congresses, reports reaching us indicate that nomination forms are being delivered to governors, who will ultimately determine who becomes what through selection.

This will not end well. It could mark the beginning of an internal crisis capable of leading to implosion,” he warned.

“I appeal to the National Working Committee led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to do the right thing before it is too late. It is also important that the elders and leaders of our party speak up now and call the NWC to order so they do not proceed in error,” he added.

While cautioning against internal implosion, Nabena called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene before the commencement of the congresses nationwide.

“My appeal to the NWC is that they should not chase away the remaining masses in the party. APC once had about 40 million registered members, but today we are struggling to reach 10 million in the ongoing electronic registration exercise. This calls for caution. We must be wise and do the right thing now,” he said. (Guardian)