Paragraph 1: President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria convened the national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. This marked Tinubu’s first such meeting since assuming the presidency approximately 20 months prior. The meeting, held on a Tuesday evening, commenced with the President’s arrival and was attended by a select group of high-ranking party officials and stakeholders. While journalists were not granted access to the main hall, details of the attendees and the general context of the meeting emerged. The gathering served as an important platform for internal party discussions and strategizing, setting the stage for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Paragraph 2: The timing of the caucus meeting held significance as it followed the postponement of two crucial party sessions initially slated for September. Though no official reason was given for the postponement, the party’s national publicity secretary assured that new dates would be forthcoming. However, the APC’s national secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, confirmed that the caucus and NEC meetings would proceed as scheduled, emphasizing President Tinubu’s confirmed attendance and quashing any rumors of further delays. This affirmation underscored the importance of the meetings in addressing pressing party matters and solidifying the party’s direction under Tinubu’s leadership.
Paragraph 3: The APC national caucus meeting brought together the highest echelons of the party’s leadership, forming a powerful assembly of political figures. The attendees included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), APC state governors, and influential stakeholders such as former governors, ministers, and principal officers of the National Assembly. This strategic gathering aimed to foster consensus among the party’s key decision-makers and align their efforts ahead of broader discussions at the NEC meeting.
Paragraph 4: The gathering was also notable for the presence of several high-profile political figures, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. The participation of current and former governors, speakers, state party chairmen, and other significant stakeholders underscored the meeting’s importance in fostering unity and coordinating strategy within the APC. The presence of these individuals signified the weight of the discussions and decisions that would emerge from the caucus meeting, impacting the party’s political trajectory.
Paragraph 5: The caucus meeting saw the return of beberapa notable figures to the APC fold, further highlighting the political significance of the event. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, former Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, and former Senate President, Pius Anyim, made their debut appearances at a caucus meeting under Tinubu’s presidency. Their presence hinted at potential shifts in political alliances and the party’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its influence within the Nigerian political landscape. Early arrivals at the conference centre included members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, showcasing their engagement in the party’s decision-making processes.
Paragraph 6: The extensive representation from different regions of Nigeria further demonstrated the nationwide reach and influence of the APC. The attendance of governors, deputy governors, and party leaders from various states, including those from the South-South region led by former Bayelsa State Governor Timiprey Silva, reinforced the party’s broad-based support. The presence of prominent APC figures like Senator Abdulaziz Yari, former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, Senator Aliyu Wammako, former Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Bagudu further demonstrated the breadth and depth of the party’s leadership ranks. The inclusion of founding members like Chief Bisi Akande and Dr Iyiola Omisore, alongside other South-West representatives, emphasized the historical continuity and evolving nature of the party’s leadership structure. This geographically diverse representation underscored the APC’s national character and its efforts to address the multifaceted political interests across the country.
