A new National Chairman for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to be appointed during its National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
In June, former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, stepped down from his role as national chairman, citing health concerns. However, analysts suggest that his resignation was influenced by internal power dynamics and strategic shifts within the party in light of the upcoming 2027 elections. Following his departure, Deputy National Chairman Ali Dalori was named the acting National Chairman.
Sources within the party have indicated that the meeting’s agenda will include the selection of a new national chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and discussions on party congresses, among other topics. Insiders at the APC National Secretariat, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking publicly, mentioned that many party leaders support the idea of Ali Dalori continuing in his acting capacity until a formal Elective Convention is convened to elect new members for the National Working Committee.
One insider noted that stakeholders, including members of the Progressives Governors Forum and the current National Working Committee, are awaiting clarity from President Bola Tinubu regarding his stance on the leadership of the party. Additionally, former Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, are considered prominent candidates as the North Central region advocates for the next national chairman to be from their area.
Consequently, on June 30, APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter announced that the NEC meeting is scheduled for July 24 in Abuja to discuss the selection of a National Chairman and other significant matters. Fuanter stated, “If a new chairman is nominated during the meeting, we will accept that nomination and await the convention where the party’s final decision on the substantive chairman will be made.”
