APC Begins Talks To Replace Ganduje, No Date Yet for NEC Meeting

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says consultations are ongoing among top stakeholders to convene an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to appoint a new national chairman following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Ganduje stepped down on Friday, citing health-related concerns, amid increasing internal tension within the ruling party. In the interim, Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, has assumed the role in an acting capacity.

Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels TV, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed that while discussions are progressing, no specific date has been fixed yet for either the NEC or National Caucus meetings.

“The NEC meeting will be held imminently, but no date has been confirmed,” Morka said. “This is an extraordinary situation, and consultations are already underway with key stakeholders to determine a suitable date.”

He emphasized that the party is not under pressure to fast-track the process and will follow due constitutional procedures in selecting Ganduje’s replacement. “We’re engaging with the relevant players to ensure wide participation and consensus,” he added.

On speculations surrounding the potential defection of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and his loyalists from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC, Morka dismissed such reports as unfounded. “There’s no official conversation about Kwankwaso joining us. If that changes, Nigerians will be informed,” he stated.

Morka also addressed rumours suggesting President Bola Tinubu played a role in Ganduje’s resignation. “As far as we know, the president has made no such move or directive. These claims are speculative,” he said.

Responding to talks about zoning, particularly the possibility of the North Central producing the next chairman, Morka reiterated that such decisions rest solely with the NEC. “Each region has the right to advocate, but ultimately, it is the NEC that decides,” he said, noting that party leadership choices are often shaped by negotiation rather than rigid rules.

He assured that the party remains resilient despite leadership changes, adding, “We’ve bounced back before, and we will do so again.”

The upcoming NEC and National Caucus meetings expected to be chaired by President Tinubu and attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima will bring together major APC figures including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors, past and present National Assembly leaders, state party chairmen, and other key players.