APC 2026 Convention Committee Discriminatory to Women – Josef Onoh!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist
A sharp critique has emerged over the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee, with Denge Josef Onoh, former Southeast Spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, condemning the structure as “discriminatory to women.”
Onoh made the assertion in a statement released on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, arguing that the committee’s 73-member list shows near-total exclusion of women. He described the development as a glaring example of gender imbalance within one of the ruling party’s most critical planning organs.
The committee, inaugurated by the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), is responsible for coordinating preparations for the party’s 2026 National Convention scheduled to hold in March. It is chaired by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq serving as Vice Chairman and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni as Secretary.
While commending the timely constitution of the committee and the inclusion of experienced party leaders, Onoh argued that the “glaring and extreme male domination” of the panel undermines the APC’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly in a party that relies heavily on women’s votes nationwide.
“A careful review of the full list reveals virtually no women — or at best one or two, if any were inadvertently omitted in public releases,” Onoh said, stressing that such exclusion sends a troubling signal about the role of women in internal party decision-making.
He warned that sidelining women in high-stakes party structures could weaken the APC’s internal cohesion and political fortunes as it prepares for future electoral contests. Onoh therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the party to urgently review and revise the committee’s composition to ensure meaningful female participation.
In his appeal, Onoh called for a minimum of 30 per cent representation for women on the committee, citing global best practices on gender inclusion as well as the APC’s own manifesto commitments to equity. He suggested the inclusion of credible women leaders, including governors, senators, ministers and senior party executives, to strengthen inclusivity and broaden the party’s appeal.
Onoh concluded by warning that failure to address the imbalance could alienate a critical voting bloc, weaken party unity, and reinforce perceptions that the APC undervalues women’s contributions beyond election mobilisation.
Background:
The APC’s 73-member Central Coordination Committee was unveiled as part of preparations for the party’s 2026 National Convention, where key leadership and organisational issues are expected to be addressed. The committee is largely dominated by high-profile governors, party elders and lawmakers, with women’s representation appearing minimal.
Citation:
1.Vanguard Newspaper
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/apc-2026-convention-committee-discriminatory-to-women-josef-onoh/
2.NigerianEye
https://www.nigerianeye.com/2026/02/uzodimma-heads-apcs-73-member-committee.html
3.Vanguard Newspaper
https://www.vanguardngr.com/tag/women-in-politics/
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