Suspense As APC Holds NEC Meeting To Decide New Chairman Amid Divisions

Suspense As APC Holds NEC Meeting To Decide New Chairman Amid Divisions

As the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) convenes its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting tomorrow in Abuja, one contentious issue on the agenda is the selection of a new party chairman, a decision that has stirred division among the leadership.

The former Chairman, Abdulahi Ganduje, stepped down in June citing health concerns.

However, many political analysts attribute his departure to internal power struggles and strategic shifts within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

While several top party members support Deputy National Chairman Ali Dalori, who has been serving in an acting capacity, to remain in office until the next elective convention, others argue that current political dynamics demand an immediate replacement.

There’s also a push to choose from the list of aspirants vying for the position, which includes former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

Beyond the leadership debate, the NEC meeting will address other matters including updates from the Constitution Review Committee and preparations for upcoming party congresses.

Meanwhile, members of the Progressives Governors Forum and the National Working Committee are said to be awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s final word on the leadership question.

Prior to Ganduje, the APC had five previous chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), Chief John Oyegun (2014–2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).

Article 13.3 of the amended 2022 APC Constitution grants the NEC the authority to appoint the National Chairman and establish a Caretaker Committee, among other powers.

Article 13.3 (1i and ii) states, “The National Executive Committee of the Party shall be the Principal Executive body of the Party and shall perform the following functions: summon or convene the National Convention and prepare its agenda, discharge all functions of the National Convention in between National Conventions.”

Article 13.3 (B and C) adds, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, the National Executive Committee shall have the power to set up a Caretaker Committee in place of any organ at all levels, except the National Advisory Council and National Convention, where in its opinion there is a compelling situation warranting such action in the overriding interest of the Party.

“Any such Committee shall have a defined tenure not exceeding twelve (12) months.”

As a result, on June 30, APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, announced that the party’s NEC meeting would be held in Abuja on July 24 to address the selection of a National Chairman and other key issues.

Faunter said, “And during the meeting, if they so desire that a new chairman is nominated, we’ll also accept such nomination and then wait for the convention where the final position of the party will be made as far as the substantive chairman is concerned.

“So, that’s as much as I can tell you. And the date, the suggested date for the NEC meeting is the 24th of July, 2025. It’s going to be here (Abuja), on the premises of the APC.”

To reach a consensus on the new chairman, party leaders met with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday. There are indications that discussions were centered around who became the next party chairman at Thursday’s NEC.

Tinubu, who attended the last two NEC, is expected to also join the meeting tomorrow.

APC Deputy Organising Secretary, Eze Duru, confirmed that the issue of National Chairman and E-registration were part of the agenda for Thursday’s NEC meeting.

He stated, “Well, essentially, NEC is a usual meeting of the party as stipulated in the constitution of the party. We would address the issues around the E-registration to enable members register wherever they are, and then of course receive reports from the directorates of the party through the National Secretary, who will present reports of his stewardship. So, these are the major highlights of the meeting.

“Also, the issue of the substantive National Chairman is expected to be on the agenda.”

He explained that the E-registration would make it easier for Nigerians interested in joining the APC to register seamlessly.

The APC Deputy Organising Secretary added, “Yes, I would expect that the party would come out of the meeting better, stronger and sending a signal to Nigerians that we are prepared to do what is best and what is right by them, and then, of course, to position the party to give an account to the owners of the party through the NEC.

“That’s one part of what will come out of the meeting on Thursday and then also to show that we are keying into the IT space through the E-registration — to make it possible for members to be registered across board, as well as to be accountable. People will know that once you are a member of the party, wherever you are, you can be verified.”

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