Paragraph 1: The All Progressives Congress (APC) is gearing up for a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The meeting, the first since Abdullahi Ganduje assumed leadership as National Chairman, promises to be a pivotal event in the party’s trajectory. The agenda, as obtained by Sunday PUNCH, reveals a comprehensive lineup of discussions encompassing financial matters, political strategies, and internal party affairs. Key topics include an audit of party accounts, an assessment of Ganduje’s leadership thus far, and a review of the recently concluded off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. These discussions are expected to set the tone for the party’s activities leading up to the 2025 general elections.
Paragraph 2: Beyond the immediate political landscape, the NEC meeting will delve into the party’s financial planning with a review of the proposed budget for 2025. Strategic preparations for the upcoming Anambra governorship election in November will also be a focal point. Addressing internal party matters, the meeting will address the issue of dues payment by federal appointees and APC lawmakers, ensuring the financial stability of the party. Furthermore, the ongoing e-membership registration drive will be evaluated, aiming to strengthen the party’s grassroots base. Finally, the newly established Progressive Institute, a think tank designed to bolster the party’s ideological foundation, will be introduced to the NEC members.
Paragraph 3: Despite the significance of the agenda items, sources within the APC secretariat downplay the meeting, describing it as a “tea party” where no groundbreaking decisions are anticipated. Speculation regarding Ganduje’s rumored exit, fueled by certain media outlets, is dismissed as unfounded. The source suggests that the meeting is primarily a formality, designed to fulfill constitutional obligations and appease internal factions, particularly those led by figures like Nasir El-Rufai, who have been advocating for more regular NEC meetings. Unlike the previous leadership, characterized by internal strife between former Chairman Abdullahi Adamu and former National Publicity Secretary Salihu Lukman, the current NWC is perceived as relatively stable, with fewer contentious issues.
Paragraph 4: The upcoming NEC meeting holds historical significance as it marks the first gathering of the party’s highest decision-making body since Ganduje’s appointment. Ganduje and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru were officially ratified at the previous NEC meeting held in Abuja on August 3, 2023. Since then, Ganduje has prioritized convening the National Caucus and NEC meetings, which were previously postponed. The National Caucus meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at the Presidential Villa banquet hall, followed by the NEC meeting on Wednesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. These two consecutive meetings signal a renewed focus on internal party processes and strategic planning.
Paragraph 5: The meetings of the National Caucus and the NEC are crucial for the APC’s internal functioning and decision-making processes. The National Caucus, a smaller body comprising key party leaders, serves as a platform for preliminary discussions and consensus-building before issues are presented to the larger NEC for formal approval. The NEC, as the party’s highest decision-making body, is responsible for setting the overall direction and strategy of the party. Both meetings are expected to be chaired by President Bola Tinubu, underscoring the importance of these gatherings. The presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Muhammadu Buhari further emphasizes the significance of the discussions.
Paragraph 6: The NEC meeting serves as a vital platform for the APC to address critical issues, ranging from financial matters to strategic political planning. The agenda encompasses a comprehensive review of the party’s performance, including an assessment of Ganduje’s leadership and the outcomes of recent elections. The meeting will also address essential internal matters such as membership registration and dues collection, while also looking ahead to future elections, particularly the Anambra governorship race. Despite downplaying the significance of the meeting by some internal sources, the extensive agenda and the presence of key party figures suggest that the NEC meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the APC’s future trajectory. The outcomes of these deliberations will likely have a significant impact on the party’s internal dynamics and its preparations for upcoming electoral contests.
