Paragraph 1: The Prelude to a Crucial Meeting
President Bola Tinubu convened a closed-door meeting with governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner on Wednesday evening, August 9, 2023, at the Aso Rock Villa’s presidential banquet hall. This strategic gathering served as a precursor to the highly anticipated National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for the following day. The meeting’s attendees included prominent figures such as Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, alongside Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun). The primary objective of this pre-NEC meeting was to enable President Tinubu to articulate his stance on critical party matters to the governors, ensuring alignment and coordination before the larger NEC deliberations.
Paragraph 2: Agenda Setting and Key Issues
The NEC meeting, originally slated for the APC national secretariat, was moved to the State House Conference Centre, underscoring its significance. Central to the discussions was the appointment of a substantive National Chairman to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation due to health reasons in July 2023. Ali Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman, had been serving in an acting capacity, raising questions about the preferred leadership structure moving forward. The NEC faced the decision of either confirming Dalori in the role or initiating a process to elect a new chairman.
Paragraph 3: Regional Considerations and Potential Candidates
Adding complexity to the leadership question were concerns raised by leaders from the North-Central geopolitical zone. They argued for the chairmanship to return to their region, citing feelings of marginalization. This regional dimension introduced additional potential candidates into the mix, notably former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. The NEC’s decision would need to balance the need for a swift appointment with considerations of regional representation and potential internal party dynamics.
Paragraph 4: Beyond the Chairmanship: Broader Party Matters
Beyond the immediate concern of leadership succession, the NEC meeting was poised to address a range of significant party matters. A comprehensive review of the APC’s finances was on the agenda, critical for future operations and electoral campaigns. The party would also begin to look ahead to the 2027 elections, potentially outlining a preliminary timetable and strategic considerations. Updates from the Constitution Review Committee, tasked with examining and potentially amending the party’s governing document, were also anticipated, alongside discussions regarding the organization and execution of future party congresses.
Paragraph 5: Historical Context of APC Chairmanship
The APC chairmanship has seen a relatively high turnover since the party’s formation. Prior to Ganduje, five individuals held the position: Chief Bisi Akande (2013-2014), Chief John Oyegun (2014-2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018-2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020-2022), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022-2023). This history of leadership transitions highlights the importance of establishing clear succession procedures and potentially examining the factors contributing to the relatively short tenures of previous chairmen.
Paragraph 6: Constitutional Framework for Decision-Making
The APC’s amended 2022 Constitution, specifically Article 13.3, provides the legal framework for the NEC’s decision-making authority. This article explicitly grants the NEC the power to appoint the National Chairman, establish caretaker committees, and exercise other important powers. The NEC’s decisions, therefore, carry significant weight and are bound by this constitutional framework, ensuring a regulated and transparent process for handling key party matters.
