Governors elected under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) convened behind closed doors in Abuja on Wednesday evening, as internal consultations intensified ahead of the party’s highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The meeting took place at the private lodge of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who currently chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF)—the influential coalition of APC state governors.
Power Talks Ahead of Party Leadership Shake-Up
While the official agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed, party insiders say discussions likely centered around the selection of a new National Chairman, following the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje in June. Ganduje stepped down, citing the need to focus on personal health matters, leaving the party in a sensitive transitional phase.
His exit has sparked intense lobbying within the party, particularly as it prepares for key by-elections and congresses in states like Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun.
Who Was in the Room?
A notable lineup of APC governors were spotted arriving early for the strategy session, including:
- Babagana Zulum (Borno)
- Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe)
- Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa)
- Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti)
- Monday Okpebholo (Edo)
- Bassey Otu (Cross River)
- Nasir Idris (Kebbi)
- Hyacinth Alia (Benue)
- Umar Namadi (Jigawa)
- AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara)
- Usman Ododo (Kogi)
- Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna)
Also present was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, although he is a member of the opposition PDP raising questions about whether his presence was linked to inter-party dialogue or regional cooperation.
Leadership Zoning Debate Heats Up
A key sticking point in the leadership discussions is the zoning of the National Chairmanship, with internal factions pushing different narratives. Some powerbrokers want the chairmanship to remain in the North-West Ganduje’s region especially as talks surface around former Kano State governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, being eyed for a possible alliance or entry into the APC fold.
Others, however, are calling for the position to be returned to the North-Central, where it was originally zoned prior to the party’s 2022 internal restructuring. Advocates of this move argue it would promote fairness and restore party equilibrium.
Dalori Steps In — But for How Long?
Ali Bukar Dalori, the current Acting National Chairman, is expected to brief the NEC on several key matters at Thursday’s meeting, including:
- Ratification of the congress timetable
- Status update on the e-registration initiative
- Standing committee formations
Whether Dalori will remain in office or serve as a placeholder until a consensus candidate emerges remains uncertain.
As the APC navigates these pivotal internal shifts, Thursday’s NEC meeting may prove decisive not just for the party’s leadership structure, but for its readiness ahead of crucial off-cycle elections and the broader 2027 race.
