Following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party has begun consultations among key stakeholders to chart the way forward. The APC says plans are underway to convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to select a new chairman, though no specific date has been fixed.
Ganduje, who stepped down on Friday citing health reasons, vacates the office at a time when the party is contending with internal tensions and leadership wrangling. In the interim, the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, has assumed the role in an acting capacity.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the party is under no pressure to hasten the selection process.
“The NEC meeting of our party will be convened imminently. No date has been set yet,” Morka said. “This is an extraordinary situation following the resignation of our national chairman, and we will take steps immediately to fill the vacancy.”
According to Morka, wide consultations are ongoing among critical stakeholders, and a consensus on a date for the NEC meeting will be reached soon. He emphasized that the party’s internal procedures will be strictly followed in the leadership transition process.
“We are consulting. There are many stakeholders who are required to be present to convene. That process has been triggered,” he added.
No word on Kwankwaso’s defection
Asked about the rumored defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC, Morka dismissed it as mere speculation.
“The party that I speak for has made no such determination,” he said. “But should anything change, Nigerians will definitely be informed.”
Leadership change is not new to APC
Describing the APC as a relatively young party still navigating internal dynamics, Morka expressed confidence in the party’s ability to manage transitions and remain resilient.
“Every time it happens, we are on standby permanently to rebound and correct whatever it is,” he said.
He added that once the NEC meets, a new chairman will be elected to carry on from where Ganduje stopped.
Zoning: NEC holds the final say
On speculation that the next chairman may emerge from the North Central region, Morka clarified that such decisions rest solely with the NEC.
“Every region has its own aspirations. The people of North Central are free to advocate for their interest,” he said. “But the final decision will be taken when the NEC convenes and all views are considered.”
Tinubu did not force Ganduje out
Responding to suggestions that President Bola Tinubu influenced Ganduje’s resignation, Morka said there was no evidence to support such claims.
“I call it speculation, because the president hasn’t said anything to anybody that I’m aware of,” he said. “We know people will speculate with the ruling party, the largest party in Africa.”
High-stakes NEC meeting expected
The upcoming NEC and National Caucus meetings—two of the APC’s highest decision-making organs—are expected to be presided over by President Tinubu, with Vice President Kashim Shettima in attendance. Other anticipated attendees include former President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, current and former governors, speakers, state party chairmen, and members of the National Working Committee.
As the APC moves to fill a major leadership vacuum, all eyes will be on the outcome of the NEC deliberations, which could shape the party’s trajectory ahead of future elections.
