NEC: APC seeks to douse internal rumblings, consolidates 2027 plans

LAOLU AFOLABI examines the implications of the APC National Caucus and NEC meetings on the party’s stability and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections

The All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday, finally held its National Executive Committee, after almost two years of appointing Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as its National Chairman. Ganduje was appointed on August 3, 2023, by the National Executive Committee, following the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

The NEC meeting on Wednesday was well attended by major stakeholders of the party. The meeting, led by President Tinubu, had top party leaders in attendance, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, Ganduje, governors, and members of the National Working Committee. They converged on the party secretariat in Abuja to discuss economic recovery, internal party reconciliation, and strategic governance decisions.

Before the NEC meeting, some members had accused the party leadership of sidelining key organs in decision-making. Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, went further, criticising the APC for straying from its founding principles.

Some political analysts view the NEC meeting as a crucial test of the party’s strength and leadership, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gain momentum. The gathering provided an opportunity for the party to assess its internal cohesion, address lingering disputes, and reaffirm its support for Tinubu’s administration amid ongoing economic recovery efforts and political realignments.

The APC NEC meeting took place a day after the party’s caucus meeting held on Tuesday night. At the caucus meeting, party leaders praised Tinubu’s administration for turning the economy around, with GDP growing by 3.84 per cent in the last quarter of 2024 and inflation going downhill.

Ganduje’s leadership established

A significant outcome of the meeting was the validation of Ganduje as the National Chairman, following previous speculations about his potential resignation. The party dismissed these rumours, affirming Ganduje’s leadership and commitment to his mandate.

Prior to the NEC meeting, the APC faced internal dissent, particularly from the North-Central faction, which had been vocal in its demand for Ganduje’s removal. This group argued that the national chairmanship should be retained within their region, leading to legal actions and public protests. However, in a recent development, the North-Central APC Forum announced the suspension of its agitation, expressing a willingness to collaborate for the party’s unity and success.

Vote of confidence in Tinubu

The NEC, in a move that signals party unity, unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the President and his economic policies.

Addressing the audience, the President expressed his determination to work harder for the country’s greater good, assuring them that the Nigerian economy was on the path of recovery. He said the commendation from the party’s highest decision-making organ was a call for more hard work and promised not to fail the party faithful.

The President also expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the APC National Working Committee for contributing massively to his electoral victory.

“I am happy with your vote of confidence, and I accept it. The vote is a challenge to do more work; we will vigorously pursue our sovereignty in food security, investment and development.

“I am happy with food prices coming down, especially as Ramadan approaches. The sun is high, and the sky is bright outside. While the rest of the world unravels, we see growth in Nigeria. We are seeing a gradual return to stability. We are seeing improvements. I thank you, governors,” Tinubu said.

The President pledged to continue working assiduously with other arms of government to ensure the greater good for Nigerians and commended APC governors and executives for their continued and unwavering commitment.

“Let the NEC find a way to celebrate our progressive ideals, and I promise you, our governors and Nigerians, that we will sustain these progressive changes. Everywhere in the world, especially in Europe, we have economic shocks, and we are doing everything possible.

“I’m grateful to all Nigerians for the electoral successes recorded from one state to the other. Governors, you have embraced these changes, and I thank the leadership of our party. I also thank members of the National Assembly for expeditiously considering the budget. We can only build the party on a progressive platform to deliver good service to Nigerians,” he added.

Call for reconciliation

In recent times, the APC has been grappling with internal crises, with several state chapters entangled in leadership tussles and factional disputes. Many aggrieved members, frustrated by unresolved grievances, have become disillusioned and disengaged from party activities, raising concerns about unity and stability ahead of future elections.

Tinubu, who commended the party’s National Working Committee for its performance, called for measures to end some of the crises in the states.

“The National Working Committee is doing a very good job; I am pleased with them. However, there are a few conflicts in the various states. Let’s set up committees to look into the lingering problems in the states and appeal to these party leaders in various states to please be calm and be collaborative,” the President said.

Commenting on the call, Ganduje briefed the NEC on efforts taken so far to appease and reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

“Your Excellencies, we have also embarked on massive reconciliation of aggrieved party members, and this move is gradually yielding desired positive results for the party. Through dialogue, we have initiated high-level discussions amongst party leaders and other stakeholders with a view to resolving lingering differences between our members,” he stated.

APC secretariat and financial burden

Ganduje appealed for Tinubu’s support in acquiring a new APC secretariat, citing the inadequacy of the current facility. He stated that the current structure is old and not befitting for the status of a ruling party and, therefore, urged President Tinubu to help secure a parcel of land where a new secretariat can be sited from the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

He said, “Your Excellencies, as part of our commitment to secure and own a national secretariat complex befitting of a ruling party and one that would conveniently accommodate our national officers, the newly established The Progressives Institute, as well as the three wings of the party, we have formally applied for land at the Federal Capital Territory Administration that will drive this project. May I, therefore, appeal for the kind intervention of Mr President for this project to materialise?

“Let me once again applaud the Leader of our party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for initiating laudable programmes that would subsequently ensure rapid inclusivity.”

The national chairman also revealed that the party inherited a debt of N8.9bn, mostly from legal expenses related to election battles.

He noted that the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.

Reacting to the new secretariat appeal, Tinubu said, “The place we are gathering today is too small for us and I agree with you that we need a bigger location. I think the minister of national economic planning is here. We will discuss it with the minister in charge, and we will do something about it.”

Legislative support for Tinubu’s agenda

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting Tinubu’s policies, particularly in passing bills aimed at national development and economic improvement.

Akpabio reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu in lifting the nation from its economic and developmental woes.

“The Senate will expeditiously pass bills that would enhance our national development, improve the economy and redirect our national pathway,” he said.

Also, Abbas commended the President for his vision and courage in making unpopular but essential decisions.

He said the decisions were pivotal for Nigeria’s developmental efforts.

Why Buhari was absent

Speaking on Buhari’s absence, his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, told the BBC Hausa that the former President received the invitation late.

According to Shehu, the invitation was sent on Monday but only reached Buhari on Tuesday, making it difficult for him to travel from Daura to Abuja in time for the meeting.

Despite his absence, Shehu stressed that Buhari remains a committed APC member. He recalled that Buhari was twice nominated by the party for President and remains involved in party affairs, even if he was unable to be physically present at the meeting.