The indefinite postponement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Caucus meetings, initially slated for September 11th and 12th, 2024, respectively, has sparked concerns and raised questions about the party’s internal dynamics and leadership direction under the newly appointed National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. The meetings, which would have been the first gatherings of party leaders and stakeholders since Ganduje’s assumption of office, were abruptly cancelled without a clear explanation, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind the postponement. While the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, initially assured that a new date would be announced, subsequent statements from party officials indicate that the meetings are unlikely to be rescheduled before 2025, further fueling anxieties within the ruling party.
The delay in reconvening these crucial meetings is particularly noteworthy given their significance in the party’s decision-making process. The NEC, as the highest decision-making body of the APC, plays a critical role in shaping the party’s agenda, ratifying key appointments, and formulating strategies for upcoming elections. The National Caucus, comprising key party leaders and elected officials, serves as a platform for consultation and consensus-building on important party matters. The postponement of these meetings, therefore, creates a vacuum in the party’s leadership structure and hinders its ability to address pressing issues and chart a clear course for the future.
The indefinite nature of the postponement has drawn criticism from within the party ranks. Some party chieftains, speaking on condition of anonymity, have expressed concerns about the precedent set by this delay, arguing that it undermines the party’s internal democratic processes and projects an image of disunity and indecision. They point to the fact that the same NEC meeting that was postponed was responsible for ratifying Ganduje’s own appointment as National Chairman, highlighting the irony of the situation. These internal dissenters argue that the postponement signals a lack of preparedness and strategic direction under the new leadership, potentially impacting the party’s ability to effectively govern and prepare for future electoral contests.
The official explanations for the postponement remain vague and unconvincing. Party officials have cited ongoing consultations and discussions as the reason for the delay, but have failed to provide a concrete timeline for when these consultations will be concluded and a new date for the meetings will be announced. Statements from the National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, and the National Deputy Organising Secretary, Nze Duru, suggest that the meetings are unlikely to be held in 2024, effectively pushing them into the new year. This lack of transparency and the extended timeframe for rescheduling the meetings further contribute to the growing unease and speculation surrounding the party’s internal affairs.
The postponement of the NEC and National Caucus meetings comes at a critical juncture for the APC. Having recently concluded a closely contested general election, the party faces the challenge of consolidating its power, addressing internal divisions, and preparing for future electoral cycles. The absence of a functioning NEC and the lack of regular consultations within the National Caucus hinder the party’s ability to effectively address these challenges. The delay also raises questions about the party’s preparedness to govern effectively and deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.
Furthermore, the postponement raises concerns about the influence of external factors on the party’s internal decision-making processes. Some observers speculate that the delay may be linked to ongoing power struggles within the party, with different factions vying for influence and control. Others suggest that the postponement may be related to the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the outcome of the recent elections, with the party seeking to avoid making any major decisions until the legal processes are concluded. Whatever the reasons may be, the indefinite postponement of these crucial meetings sends a negative signal about the party’s internal stability and its ability to effectively manage its affairs. It remains to be seen when the APC will finally reconvene its NEC and National Caucus meetings and address the growing concerns about its leadership and direction.
