The All Progressives Congress (APC) has removed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma from his role as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee and replaced him with former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari.
The party explained that the change was meant to include senior leaders of the party and give them prominent roles, especially those not currently seeking political office. Uzodinma, who had recently been appointed chairman of the 73-member committee, was reassigned as the treasurer.
Former Senate President Pius Anyim was named Vice Chairman. APC officials said the leadership reshuffle also considered zoning, noting that with President Bola Tinubu from the South, having a Northern leader chair the committee was appropriate.
The new committee includes governors, top officers of the National Assembly, former presiding officers, past national chairmen, and key federal ministers. Party officials said the structure is designed to involve all stakeholders and ensure a smooth convention.
A current member of the APC National Working Committee explained the change, saying, “The leadership of the party felt that the old leaders should be accorded the respect of holding the chairmanship position. That was why they settled for Alhaji Masari and also Senator Pius Anyim. They are experienced hands of the party and, for now, are not seeking political office. So, they may be more even-handed in bringing their experience to bear in those positions.
“The convention committee leadership change has nothing to do with whether somebody has something against Governor Uzodimma, contrary to speculations. That is why he was chosen as the treasurer of the committee. He will still play a very prominent role in the convention, particularly as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.”
Another ranking party leader noted that zoning considerations were also a factor, saying, “Since President Tinubu is from the South, it would be appropriate to have a northern APC leader as the convention chairman. When you also look at the composition of the committee, it is all-embracing. Aside from the governors, we have all the principal officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly, as well as former presiding officers who are members of the party. It also has all the former national chairmen who are still within the party.”
Preparations are ongoing ahead of the APC National Convention scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2026.
