President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday night at the State House in Abuja as internal consultations intensified over who will emerge as the party’s next national chairman.
The meeting came ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) session scheduled for Thursday at 2.00 p.m inside the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
The closed-door meeting began at about 7.00 p.m and was attended by members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by its chairman and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
NEC meeting holds today, Ganduje’s successor top of agenda
Top of the NEC’s agenda is the selection of a substantive national chairman to replace Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who resigned in June under pressure from within the party.
President Tinubu is said to favour a consensus approach that reflects regional balance and supports the party’s current reform agenda.
According to party insiders, the North Central zone is being considered to produce Ganduje’s replacement, with former Nasarawa State governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, emerging as a leading contender.
Other names being discussed include Senator Joshua Dariye, Senator Barnabas Gemade, and Professor Muhammad Kailani.
Uzodimma: Meeting was about party unity and strategy
Speaking after the meeting, PGF chairman Uzodimma told reporters that the delegation visited President Tinubu to strategise on strengthening the party across all levels and to condole with him on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We also came to share some ideas with Mr. President on how best to strengthen our party at the grassroots, at the local government, at the state levels, up to the national level. So it’s just a convivial discussion,” Uzodimma said.
When asked whether the NEC would produce a consensus candidate, he replied:
“It is a National Executive Committee meeting. We cannot say what the outcome will be. When you come there tomorrow, you will see it.”
Expanded NEC expected as tradition is broken
Unlike tradition, the APC has suspended its usual National Caucus meeting, which typically precedes the NEC.
Instead, some caucus members will attend Thursday’s NEC to ensure broader participation.
According to the APC Constitution, the NEC is the party’s highest decision-making body and includes key officeholders, governors, national officers, legislators, and zonal representatives.
Thursday’s meeting is also expected to feature a brief session in honour of late President Muhammadu Buhari, making it the first major APC gathering since his passing.
NEC venue shifted to Presidential Villa
The APC on Wednesday officially moved the NEC meeting venue from its national secretariat, Buhari House, to the Banquet Hall at the Presidential Villa due to logistical concerns.
National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka confirmed the change, noting it was to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated session.
There are indications that NEC could either appoint a substantive chairman today or allow acting chairman, Hon. Ali Dalori, to continue in that role until the party’s National Convention scheduled for December.
