APC May Name New National Chairman Thursday as NEC Meets in Abuja

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to decide on its next National Chairman during a critical National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja on Thursday.

The meeting comes weeks after former National Chairman and ex-Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, stepped down from the role, officially citing health concerns. However, party insiders believe his resignation was influenced by internal power tussles and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following Ganduje’s exit, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, assumed the position in an acting capacity.

According to multiple party sources, the NEC meeting will address several issues including the appointment of a substantive National Chairman, progress on constitutional amendments, updates on e-registration of members, and preparations for upcoming party congresses and by-elections.

One source at the APC National Secretariat revealed that although there is growing support for Ali Dalori to continue in an acting capacity until a formal Elective Convention is held, others within the party are pushing for an immediate appointment.

The source disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s position on the matter will be crucial in determining the outcome, as top stakeholders within the party, including members of the Progressives Governors Forum and the current National Working Committee (NWC), are all waiting for the president’s directive.

From the North Central region, two prominent names have emerged as strong contenders for the chairmanship position — former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

Before Ganduje, the party had been led by five chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun (2014–2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), and Senator Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).

Under Article 13.3 of the APC Constitution (amended in 2022), the NEC holds the power to appoint a National Chairman and even set up a Caretaker Committee if necessary. Article 13.3(1i and ii) empowers the NEC to convene the National Convention and carry out its functions in between conventions, while Article 13.3(B and C) allows it to replace any organ, except the Advisory Council and Convention, with a caretaker body for up to 12 months in compelling situations.

On June 30, APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, announced that the NEC would meet on July 24 in Abuja to take decisions on the party’s leadership and other strategic matters.

“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,” Fuanter said.

Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes lobbying is in full swing. According to one insider, “The NEC will hold as scheduled. Of course, a lot of issues will be discussed and resolved. The E-registration, updates from the Constitution Amendment Committee, congresses, by-elections, and the selection of a substantive National Chairman are all part of the agenda.”

“There are those who believe Dalori should continue in acting capacity until a convention is held. But there’s also pressure from others insisting a new chairman should be confirmed on Thursday,” the source added.

“Already, former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Yilwatda, are the major names being mentioned among party leaders.”

Preparations for the meeting have reportedly been concluded, and President Tinubu — who attended the last two NEC sessions — is expected to participate again. Sources confirmed that senior party figures met with him earlier in the week, though the outcome of the discussions remains unclear. It is believed that the chairmanship issue featured prominently in their talks.

Another senior official noted, “The Thursday meeting is very crucial because it will give a clearer direction on the substantive National Chairman of the APC. Al-Makura, even Yilwatda and other names have been mentioned. But the NEC’s decision, along with that of the President, will shed light on everything. One thing is certain: the APC will consolidate, and it will get better.”

Efforts to reach the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off at the time of filing this report.

However, APC Deputy Organising Secretary, Eze Duru, confirmed in an interview that both the issue of the National Chairman and the ongoing e-registration initiative would be central topics at Thursday’s meeting.

“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,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of the electronic registration process. “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.”