A purported candidates’ list circulating ahead of the 2026 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been strongly dismissed by party insiders, who described it as “fake, misleading and a product of desperate interests.”
The list, which surfaced online and has been widely shared, is already generating controversy over alleged irregularities and the inclusion of unfamiliar names.
One of the most contentious entries is Barr. Emeka Okafor, listed as Deputy National Organising Secretary. Party sources from Anambra State insist he is unknown within APC structures and did not participate in any official screening exercise.
“The man from Anambra State, Barr. Emeka Okafor, who was criminally included in the list, is unknown to the party. He never participated in any screening of the APC, so what is his name doing there if the list is nothing but the wishful thinking of those who are seeing their defeat?” a source queried.
Further casting doubt on the credibility of the document, insiders alleged that Chief Emma Eneukwu—listed for Deputy National Chairman (South)—failed the party’s screening process.
“Emma Eneukwu is alleged to have failed the screening exercise as he never answered any questions posed to him by the panel,” the source added.
Party stakeholders have therefore urged the public to ignore the circulating document, insisting that it does not reflect the official position of the party.
“The general public is advised to disregard the list as the Progressive Governors are working together to harmonise all interests and ensure the party comes out stronger,” the source said.
Journalist101 gathered that the ongoing internal consultations are being coordinated at the highest levels of the party, with governors playing a central role.
According to insiders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised all APC governors to nominate candidates for positions zoned to their respective states—an arrangement aimed at fostering unity and consensus.
“Party insiders confirmed that all governors have been authorised by the President to nominate candidates for all positions zoned to their states,” the report noted.
Sources believe this directive may have unsettled certain interests allegedly attempting to impose candidates outside the agreed framework, leading to the emergence of what they described as a “fake consensus list.”
Meanwhile, in the South-East, the directive appears to have strengthened the position of Ben Nwoye, who is said to be in a strong position to emerge as Deputy National Chairman (South).
Insiders attribute his rising prospects to the backing of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose support is described as overwhelming.
“Ben Nwoye, by this directive which was upheld in the just concluded zonal congress, is in a pole position to emerge… as he’s enjoying the overwhelming support of His Excellency,” the source said.
Party officials reiterated that the circulated list should be treated as false and misleading.
“The general public is thereby advised to discard the concoction of a list as it is everything but true,” the source concluded.
