APC leadership decision looms as NEC meets to select Ganduje’s successor

A new National Chairman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) may emerge on Thursday during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja.

The development comes after former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, stepped down from the position in June, citing health reasons. However, many political observers believe his resignation was influenced by internal dynamics and shifting alliances within the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

Following Ganduje’s exit, the Deputy National Chairman, Ali Dalori, was appointed to serve in an acting capacity.

According to party insiders, Thursday’s NEC meeting will address several critical issues, including the confirmation of a new national chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and discussions on party congresses.

Sources at the party’s national secretariat revealed that many leaders favour allowing Dalori to continue as acting chairman until a formal Elective Convention is held to select new National Working Committee (NWC) members. However, there is also pressure to confirm a substantive chairman immediately.

The NEC’s decision is expected to reflect the input of President Bola Tinubu, who party officials say has been briefed on the matter and whose stance could influence the final outcome. Among the top contenders for the position are former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda—both of whom are being supported by stakeholders from the North-Central region, which is pushing for the chairmanship slot to return to the zone.

Historically, the APC has had five national chairmen before Ganduje: Bisi Akande, John Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, Mai Mala Buni, and Abdullahi Adamu.

The APC Constitution empowers the NEC to appoint a national chairman and, where necessary, establish a caretaker committee. Specifically, Article 13.3 of the party’s amended 2022 Constitution outlines the NEC’s authority to perform the functions of the National Convention between meetings and to take any necessary steps in the interest of the party, including forming interim leadership structures.

The NEC meeting, scheduled for July 24 in Abuja, was officially announced by Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter. He noted that while a new chairman may be nominated during the meeting, the final decision may be reserved for the upcoming Elective Convention.

Meanwhile, lobbying efforts have intensified, with major stakeholders advocating for their preferred candidates. The outcome of the NEC meeting is expected to clarify the direction of party leadership and may also include updates on the party’s electronic membership registration, constitutional amendments, and preparations for by-elections.

Party officials confirmed that preparations for the meeting are complete and that the President is expected to attend. Some leaders anticipate that a substantive chairman could be named during the session, just as Ganduje was previously appointed at a NEC gathering.

The North-Central region has continued to advocate for the return of the chairmanship slot. A regional forum representing the zone appealed to the party’s leadership and President Tinubu to consider justice and fairness in their decision-making. They argued that the zone has played a strategic role in the party’s growth and electoral victories, including delivering the third-highest number of votes for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.

According to the group, the region boasts five APC governors and deserves to reclaim the chairmanship following the exit of former Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, also from the zone. They also dismissed calls for Dalori, who is from the North-East, to remain in office, stating that such a move would sideline the North-Central and undermine existing power-sharing arrangements.

In response, party officials from the North-West have emphasized the importance of following due process. Kaduna APC Publicity Secretary Salisu Wusono stated that any decision on leadership should be in line with the party’s constitution and democratic norms. Similarly, the Zamfara State chapter expressed readiness to support any candidate chosen as long as the individual promotes unity and progress within the party.

As the NEC meeting draws near, all eyes are on the leadership to see whether it will confirm a new National Chairman or maintain the status quo until a convention is held. The outcome will likely set the tone for the APC’s internal alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.