Governors elected under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) convened in Abuja on Wednesday for a closed-door strategy meeting, amid rising expectations ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) session scheduled for Thursday at the Presidential Villa.
The meeting was held at the private residence of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressive Governors Forum. Uzodimma led the gathering of his colleagues in what is seen as a pivotal moment for the ruling party, particularly following the resignation of former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Among the early arrivals at the session were Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo). Other governors present included Bassey Otu (Cross River), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna).
Though the official agenda of the meeting was not publicly disclosed, insiders suggest that discussions centered on the selection of a new National Chairman for the party. Dr. Ganduje vacated the seat in June, citing personal health reasons and a need to step back from active politics. His exit has left a vacuum in the party’s national leadership, with implications for upcoming by-elections and internal party reorganisation.
Acting National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, is expected to table critical issues during the Thursday NEC meeting, including the ratification of schedules for party congresses, the formation of standing committees, and progress on the nationwide e-registration exercise.
A major point of contention within party ranks remains the zoning of the chairmanship seat. While some stakeholders advocate for it to remain in the North-West, Ganduje’s home zone—where former Kano governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso is said to be under consideration—others are calling for a return to the North-Central, where the seat was originally zoned prior to its 2022 realignment. Proponents of the latter argue that such a move would restore internal equity and party stability.
As the party braces for future polls, including gubernatorial elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun, the outcome of these internal deliberations could play a defining role in shaping the APC’s direction and cohesion.
What you should know
The APC is at a transitional moment, grappling with leadership restructuring following Dr. Ganduje’s resignation. Governor Hope Uzodimma has taken the lead in rallying his fellow governors to build consensus ahead of a critical NEC session that may define the party’s strategic path toward 2027.
