The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may announce a new National Chairman on Thursday during its highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The leadership vacuum emerged after former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, stepped down in June, citing health reasons. However, analysts believe internal power tussles and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections also contributed to his resignation.
Following his exit, Deputy National Chairman, Ali Dalori, was appointed in acting capacity. Party sources revealed that the upcoming NEC meeting will address key issues including the appointment of a substantive National Chairman, e-registration, constitution amendments, and party congresses.
According to insiders, several leaders within the APC, including the Progressives Governors Forum and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), are awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s final say on who will lead the party. The top contenders currently include Dalori, former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
Some members advocate allowing Dalori to continue as acting chairman until a full Elective Convention installs new NWC members, while others demand an immediate appointment of a substantive chairman.
Article 13.3 of the APC Constitution empowers the NEC to appoint a National Chairman and set up a Caretaker Committee if necessary. The party’s Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, previously announced that the NEC would meet on July 24 to address these issues.
Lobbying efforts have intensified ahead of the meeting, with consultations reportedly held at the Presidential Villa. Although details remain undisclosed, President Tinubu is expected to attend the meeting and influence the final decision.
Speaking to The Press, APC Deputy Organising Secretary, Eze Duru, confirmed that the National Chairman’s selection and the e-registration initiative will feature prominently on Thursday’s agenda. He said the e-registration system would simplify the process for new members to join and verify their membership across the country.
North-Central Pushes for Chairmanship
In a related development, the North-Central APC Forum is urging the party to return the chairmanship to their region. In a statement signed by Forum Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the group insisted that the zone deserved the position based on historical contributions and the existing zoning arrangement.
They noted that former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, from Nasarawa State, held the position until his resignation in 2023. Ganduje, from Kano in the North-West, succeeded him before stepping down last month.
The forum cited the region’s significant electoral support for President Tinubu and its control of five out of six APC-led states in the North-Central as justification.
They rejected any attempt to extend Dalori’s acting tenure, arguing that such a move would amount to sidelining the North-Central and could disrupt the party’s unity.
North-West Calls for Democratic Process
In contrast, APC leaders from the North-West are calling for adherence to due process in selecting the new chairman. The party’s Kaduna State Publicity Secretary, Salisu Wusono, emphasized the importance of following the party’s constitution and democratic norms.
Similarly, Yusuf Idris, his counterpart in Zamfara State, said the chapter would accept whoever emerges as chairman, as long as the individual is committed to the party’s peace and progress.
As the countdown to Thursday’s NEC meeting continues, all eyes are on the APC leadership and President Tinubu’s final decision on the future direction of the ruling party.
