ABUJA, Nigeria – The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held its highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on February 26, 2025, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. While the meeting focused on party unity and electoral strategies, the conspicuous absence of key figures like former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former ministers Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi dominated discussions. President Bola Tinubu used the opportunity to rally support and mend internal divisions as the party prepares for future elections.
Key Party Leaders Missing as Tinubu Seeks Reconciliation
The absence of several prominent APC figures raised eyebrows within political circles. Former President Muhammadu Buhari, a dominant force in the party’s formation and growth, was notably missing. Also absent were former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi—two of whom have openly criticized the party’s current trajectory.
Despite these absences, the meeting witnessed the attendance of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several APC governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), and Uba Sani (Kaduna). Former governors like Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) and Yahaya Bello (Kogi) were also present.
President Tinubu addressed the assembly, acknowledging concerns raised by some aggrieved members and promising reconciliation efforts. He directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to set up committees across all states to engage discontented party members in dialogue.
Vote of Confidence in Tinubu and APC Leadership
A significant moment during the NEC meeting was the unanimous vote of confidence in President Tinubu. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma moved the motion, which was seconded by former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole. The endorsement was accompanied by chants of “no vacancy in Aso Rock,” signaling strong party support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje received a vote of confidence for his leadership. In his remarks, Ganduje outlined the party’s electoral strategies and emphasized efforts to secure victories in upcoming governorship elections in Anambra and Osun states. He revealed that the party had already begun preparations for the Anambra primaries, scheduled for April 2025, in compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable.
Economic and Security Gains Highlighted
During his address, President Tinubu celebrated the party’s achievements in governance, particularly in the areas of security and the economy. He claimed that food prices were declining ahead of Ramadan, a critical period for many Nigerian households.
“We have strengthened national security and are working to improve food security. I am happy that food prices are coming down, particularly as we approach Ramadan,” Tinubu stated.
He also reassured party members that his administration was actively addressing economic challenges, emphasizing that global economic shocks were not unique to Nigeria. He pledged that his government would sustain progressive reforms to enhance economic stability.
Additionally, Tinubu supported relocating the APC national secretariat to a larger facility, describing the current venue as too small for the ruling party. He confirmed that the party had already applied to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for land to build a new national headquarters.
APC’s Financial Woes and Need for a New Secretariat
APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje disclosed that the party inherited a debt of N8.98 billion, primarily from legal expenses related to election litigations. He appealed to the NEC to intervene and help ease the party’s financial burden, noting that some party accounts were still under garnishee orders.
“While our National Legal Adviser is working hard to reduce our debt through alternative dispute resolution, we urge the NEC to find ways to intervene,” Ganduje said.
Furthermore, Ganduje reiterated the need for a larger secretariat, stressing that the current facility was inadequate for a ruling party of APC’s stature. He confirmed that the party had formally requested land from the FCTA to build a more accommodating headquarters and a Progressive Institute.
Party Leadership Defends Absences, Blasts El-Rufai
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka downplayed the absence of Buhari, Osinbajo, El-Rufai, and Amaechi, insisting that no NEC meeting has ever recorded full attendance. He assured party members that all NEC members had been invited and that the meeting was scheduled at President Tinubu’s convenience.
“As far as I know, no political party records 100% attendance at NEC meetings. We actually invited more members than ever before,” Morka stated.
Regarding former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent criticisms of the party, Morka dismissed his remarks as grievance-driven and called on him to respect his status. “El-Rufai is a respected former governor and minister, but his public grievances should not be used to undermine the party. If he continues to engage in public criticisms, people will respond,” Morka warned.
The NEC meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to unity and reconciliation within the APC, setting the stage for strategic planning ahead of the 2027 elections. While Tinubu appears to have consolidated party support, the absence of major figures like Buhari and Osinbajo underscores lingering internal tensions that the party must address moving forward
The APC NEC meeting showcased the party’s internal dynamics, highlighting both its achievements and ongoing challenges. While Tinubu successfully secured endorsements and outlined plans for reconciliation, the absence of key political heavyweights suggests that all is not entirely settled within the ruling party. The coming months will reveal whether APC can effectively mend its internal rifts and position itself strongly for future elections.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
