With just hours to its crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, intense lobbying is underway within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the ruling party moves closer to naming a substantive National Chairman to succeed Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
Since Ganduje’s sudden resignation in June, attributed to health concerns, but widely believed to be linked to internal political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, the party has been in search of a permanent replacement.
Acting Chairman and Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, has held the reins temporarily, but there are mounting pressures from various party blocs to install a substantive helmsman.
Party insiders confirmed to newsmen that Thursday’s NEC meeting will be decisive, with key agenda items, including the appointment of a new national chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and progress on the party’s ongoing E-registration drive.
“The lobbying has reached a fever pitch,” said a top party official who requested anonymity.
“Every stakeholder is waiting for President Bola Tinubu’s guidance. Names like Tanko Al-Makura, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and even Dalori himself are generating heated debates within the party.”
The battle for the chairmanship has also reignited the zoning conversation, particularly from the North-Central region. In a strong push, the North-Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, has appealed to President Tinubu to ensure the chairmanship returns to their region, citing historical precedence and strategic contributions to the party’s fortunes.
“The North-Central has consistently delivered for the APC and deserves this position, not out of sentiment, but justice,” Zazzaga stated.
“We delivered the third-highest votes for Tinubu in 2023 and controlled five of the six states in the region.”
Before Ganduje’s brief tenure, the party had five national chairmen, including Bisi Akande, John Odigie-Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, Mai Mala Buni, and Abdullahi Adamu, who, notably, hailed from the North-Central.
The Forum argues that Ganduje’s replacement should logically return to that geopolitical zone.
However, not all party organs are aligned in this position. State chapters in Kaduna and Zamfara have countered that while regional considerations matter, the selection process must follow democratic and constitutional norms.
Kaduna APC spokesman, Salisu Wusono, told newsmen: “The demand from the North-Central is understandable, but we must be guided by our party’s constitution. Democratic processes must be upheld.”
Yusuf Idris, his counterpart in Zamfara, added: “We’re more concerned about getting a capable leader, regardless of his region. Whoever emerges must unify the party and chart a clear course forward.”
Meanwhile, the NEC meeting, as confirmed by Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter, will convene on Thursday, July 24, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Though there is uncertainty about whether a new chairman will be officially announced at the meeting, the atmosphere within the party suggests that a decision could be imminent.
“The NEC has the power to appoint a new chairman or maintain the current arrangement pending an Elective Convention,” said Eze Duru, APC Deputy Organising Secretary. “But we expect clarity on Thursday.”
Party officials confirmed that President Tinubu, who has attended the last two NEC meetings, has been briefed and is expected to be present.
Top APC leaders also reportedly met with him at the Presidential Villa on Monday, with strong indications that the chairmanship succession featured prominently in their discussions.
As provided under Article 13.3 of the APC Constitution (amended 2022), the NEC is empowered to appoint a National Chairman or establish a Caretaker Committee if necessary.
