APC to Decide New National Chairman at Key NEC Meeting
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to name a new National Chairman this Thursday during a pivotal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. This follows the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kano State Governor, who stepped down in June citing health reasons. However, many believe his exit was driven by internal party tensions and upcoming 2027 political calculations.
Currently, Deputy National Chairman Ali Dalori serves in an acting capacity, but the NEC is expected to decide whether he continues or a new face is chosen. Two frontrunners—former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Professor Nentawe Yilwatda—have emerged, both representing the North Central region, which is pushing for the chairmanship to return to its zone.
The NEC meeting will also address other critical issues, including e-registration, party congresses, and constitutional updates. With lobbying intensifying behind the scenes, all eyes are on President Bola Tinubu, whose influence will weigh heavily on the final outcome. The meeting’s decisions will not only determine the party’s immediate leadership but also shape its direction ahead of the next general elections.
Ganduje’s Resignation and Party Dynamics
In June, Abdullahi Ganduje resigned from his role as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health reasons. However, political observers suggest his resignation had more to do with internal party struggles and emerging realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ganduje’s departure created a leadership void within the APC, prompting the appointment of Deputy National Chairman, Ali Dalori, as the acting National Chairman.
Dalori’s interim leadership has remained in place since then, but pressure is mounting for a permanent decision. As the party prepares for its critical National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, all eyes are on whether Dalori will be confirmed or replaced. This meeting is expected to determine the party’s leadership structure moving forward and could play a significant role in shaping its strategy for upcoming national polls.
The internal dynamics that led to Ganduje’s exit continue to influence party discussions, with stakeholders divided on whether to maintain continuity with Dalori or opt for fresh leadership. Either way, the NEC’s decision will signal the APC’s direction and its readiness to stabilize internal structures amid growing political competition.
NEC Meeting: What to Expect
The upcoming NEC meeting of the All Progressives Congress is being watched closely, as it is expected to shape the immediate and long-term future of the party. According to party insiders, the meeting’s agenda features several crucial issues. Chief among them is the appointment of a new National Chairman to replace Ganduje, a decision that could either maintain the current acting leadership or usher in a new era.
Other major agenda items include receiving updates from the Constitution Review Committee, laying groundwork for upcoming party congresses, and advancing the implementation of electronic membership registration. The E-registration initiative, in particular, is seen as a vital step towards modernizing the APC’s internal systems and ensuring seamless participation by members across the country.
Sources within the party reveal that significant attention is also being paid to the input of President Bola Tinubu. Many within the Progressives Governors Forum and the National Working Committee (NWC) are looking to him for final guidance. As party leader, Tinubu’s stance is expected to heavily influence the direction the NEC takes, especially in resolving divisions and building consensus.
The outcomes of this meeting will provide critical direction, not just in terms of leadership, but in reaffirming the APC’s commitment to internal reforms, member inclusion, and preparation for future elections.
Leading Contenders for the Position
Two strong candidates have emerged from the North Central region: former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. Their emergence is part of a broader regional push to return the chairmanship to the North Central zone.
Historically, the APC has been led by several chairmen, including Chief Bisi Akande, Chief John Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, Mai Mala Buni, Abdullahi Adamu, and most recently, Ganduje. The party’s amended constitution grants the NEC the authority to appoint a National Chairman and set up Caretaker Committees when necessary.
Article 13.3 of the party’s constitution outlines these powers and allows for a temporary committee structure with a defined tenure not exceeding 12 months.
Official Notice and Strategic Planning
On June 30, the APC officially announced that its National Executive Committee would convene on July 24 in Abuja to address a number of strategic party matters. The announcement was made by Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter, who emphasized the importance of the meeting in resolving the party’s current leadership questions.
Fuanter stated that the NEC holds the constitutional authority to nominate a new chairman, should members choose to do so. However, he also clarified that the final confirmation of any such nomination would be deferred to the party’s Elective Convention. This distinction suggests that while a candidate may be put forward at the NEC meeting, the process of full endorsement remains ongoing.
According to Fuanter, the upcoming session will also address other pressing issues, including internal reports from party directorates and operational matters essential to the APC’s forward planning. The meeting is expected to set the tone for the next phase of the party’s evolution, particularly with the 2027 general elections looming.
His remarks reflect growing anticipation within the party’s ranks, as leaders and stakeholders seek clarity and cohesion during a period of transition. Thursday’s meeting is therefore viewed as more than a routine gathering—it is a strategic turning point for the APC’s future direction.
Lobbying and Political Maneuvering Intensify
In recent days, lobbying within the APC has intensified. Several influential party members have begun campaigning for their preferred candidates. Among the top names being pushed are Al-Makura, Yilwatda, and the current acting chairman, Dalori.
A senior party official explained, “While many want Dalori to continue until a proper Elective Convention, others are calling for the announcement of a substantive chairman during the NEC meeting. President Tinubu’s input will be vital.”
Preparations for the meeting have been finalized. President Tinubu, who has attended previous NEC sessions, is expected to be present at Thursday’s gathering.
North Central Pushes for Fairness
In a related development, the North Central APC Forum has called on President Tinubu and other party leaders to return the position of National Chairman to the region. In a statement signed by Forum Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the group emphasized the region’s strategic importance to the APC’s past successes.
“The North Central has played a crucial role in the party’s growth. Denying us the chairmanship now would be a betrayal,” Zazzaga stated.
He recalled that the chairmanship was previously zoned to the North Central when Abdullahi Adamu was appointed in 2022. After Adamu’s resignation in July 2023, Ganduje from the North West took over in August of the same year.
Zazzaga argued that the North Central deserved the position, citing their contribution to Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 election and the fact that five of the six states in the region are governed by the APC.
“This is not a request for favor. It is a rightful demand,” the statement emphasized.
The forum also pushed back against calls for Dalori’s tenure as acting chairman to be extended, warning that it would be unfair to the North Central.
The Argument from the North West
Not all party voices agree with the North Central’s demand. Leaders from the North West, including party officials from Kaduna and Zamfara states, have called for a more democratic and constitutionally compliant process.
Salisu Wusono, the APC Publicity Secretary in Kaduna, said the decision should align with party rules. “If it’s in line with the constitution, then there’s no issue. We want everything done according to democratic norms,” he said.
Similarly, Zamfara APC’s spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, noted that the party should accept whoever is chosen as long as the person works for peace and progress.
“We were not pleased with Ganduje’s resignation, but we are ready to support his successor, regardless of their region, provided they unify and advance the party,” Idris added.
APC Officials Weigh In
Efforts to reach the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone remained switched off. However, Deputy Organising Secretary, Eze Duru, confirmed that Thursday’s NEC agenda includes discussions on the National Chairman and electronic registration.
Duru emphasized that E-registration would allow APC members to register seamlessly from any location.
“This will help us bring more transparency into our membership process and ensure accountability. Once you are a member, you can be verified anywhere,” he said.
He added that the NEC meeting would give Nigerians a clear message that the APC is committed to doing what is right and preparing for the future.
Final Expectations and Political Implications
With the NEC meeting just hours away, expectations are running high. While some party insiders believe a new National Chairman will be announced immediately, others maintain that Dalori might continue in acting capacity until an Elective Convention.
One senior APC figure summarized the stakes: “This NEC meeting will set the direction of the APC going forward. Whether it’s Al-Makura, Yilwatda, or Dalori, what matters is unity, fairness, and preparing the party for 2027.”
In conclusion, the outcome of Thursday’s NEC meeting will not only determine the party’s new leadership but also offer insights into its broader political strategy and commitment to internal democracy. Whatever decision is reached, the APC must balance regional interests, constitutional requirements, and the need for party cohesion to remain a dominant political force in Nigeria.