By Prosper Mene
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has faced criticism over the composition of its 73-member Central Coordination Committee for the 2026 National Convention, with a prominent party figure accusing it of being “extremely discriminatory” toward women.
Denge Josef Onoh, Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly and former Southeast Spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, issued a statement condemning the near-total exclusion of women from the committee. He described the lineup as showing “glaring and extreme male domination,” noting that a review of the publicly released list revealed “virtually no women, or at best one or two, if any were inadvertently omitted.”
Onoh expressed disappointment despite commending the APC for its broader preparations toward the national convention, scheduled for March 25–28, 2026. The event will shape the party’s future direction, including candidate selection and policy priorities. He argued that this level of exclusion sends a troubling signal that women are being sidelined in the party’s most critical decision-making and planning structures.
The committee, constituted by the APC’s National Working Committee, is chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as vice chairman and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni as secretary. It includes serving and former governors, senators, National Assembly members, and other senior party leaders from across Nigeria.
