President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday evening convened a closed-door meeting with governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), just hours ahead of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the State House Conference Centre.
Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Babajide Sanwo‑Olu (Lagos), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) were among those who arrived early at the presidential banquet hall within Aso Rock Villa for the high-level discussions with the President.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, was aimed at aligning positions and fine-tuning strategies before the NEC gathering, which had initially been slated for the party’s national secretariat in Abuja before being relocated to the Presidential Villa.
Chief among the issues discussed was the appointment of a substantive National Chairman to replace Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned last month citing health concerns. Since Ganduje’s departure, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, has served in an acting capacity, though opinions remain divided on whether he should continue until a formal elective convention is held.
Zoning politics has also resurfaced, with growing calls for the position to return to the North-Central zone—a region whose leaders say they have been sidelined. Two prominent names have emerged as frontrunners should the NEC opt for a North-Central candidate: former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
Thursday’s NEC meeting is expected to tackle a range of pressing matters, including a review of the party’s finances, the 2027 general election timetable, updates from the APC Constitution Review Committee, and preparations for upcoming party congresses.
The APC has seen rapid turnover at the top since its formation in 2013, with Ganduje being the sixth person to occupy the chairmanship role. He follows in the footsteps of Chief Bisi Akande, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, Mai Mala Buni, and Abdullahi Adamu.
According to Article 13.3 of the APC’s amended 2022 constitution, the NEC holds the authority to appoint a substantive National Chairman or establish a Caretaker Committee when necessary—a provision that will be closely watched as party leaders gather today to chart a new course.
