The All Progressives Congress (APC) is preparing for a major overhaul of its National Working Committee (NWC) as the party gears up for its National Elective Convention scheduled for December 2025. Party insiders say the shake-up is part of broader efforts to reposition the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the party revealed that the National Executive Committee (NEC), which is set to meet on July 24 in Abuja, is expected to inaugurate a convention planning committee. This committee will oversee preparations for the December convention, where new NWC members will be elected.
Although some members are pushing to limit the changes to just replacing the acting national chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, many party leaders particularly governors are advocating for a complete overhaul of the NWC. This includes all 22 positions as outlined in Article 12(4) of the APC Constitution (2022), such as the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairmen (North and South), National Secretary, six Zonal Vice Chairmen, and other key roles.
Despite the constitutional provision for four-year terms, no APC chairman or NWC member has completed a full term due to internal instability. The recent resignation of former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje on June 27 is seen as part of the ongoing power realignment within the party.
Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter confirmed that the NEC meeting will hold on July 24. He stated that any decision on appointing a new chairman or proceeding to the convention would be made during that session.
“There’s a likelihood that the NEC will opt for a full elective convention rather than appointing a new chairman immediately,” a party source told The PUNCH. “Dalori is likely to lead the party until December when a new leadership will emerge.”
Another source noted that the convention is intended to reflect the influence of new power blocs within the APC, especially incoming governors and strategic stakeholders. Several NWC members are said to be lobbying to retain their positions, but pressure is mounting for a total leadership reset.
Efforts to get a response from APC’s National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka were unsuccessful. However, his deputy, Duro Meseko, said no final decision had been made.
“There’s no official plan yet. It’s up to NEC to decide whether a convention will hold in December. The agenda will likely become clearer after consultations with President Bola Tinubu,” Meseko explained.
Bala Ibrahim, APC Director of Publicity, added that the coming NEC meeting would reinforce the party’s strength and unity. He downplayed Ganduje’s resignation, stressing that the former chairman remains a vital member of the party.
“Those celebrating Ganduje’s exit are mistaken. He’s still with the APC and will continue to contribute meaningfully. Nigerians should expect a more united and revitalised APC after the NEC meeting and convention,” Ibrahim said.
As preparations intensify, all eyes are now on the July 24 NEC meeting, which is expected to set the tone for a new leadership phase in Nigeria’s ruling party.
Advertisement
