APC National Executive Committee Meeting Relocated to Aso Rock Villa Amidst High Stakes

In a move signaling heightened presidential oversight and the urgency of pressing party matters, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, has been relocated from the party’s national secretariat to the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa. The sudden change has created palpable suspense within political circles, given the critical agenda set for the gathering.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, announced the change in venue and time (now 2 PM) on Wednesday, citing “logistical reasons.” However, political observers interpret the relocation as a strategic decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to directly preside over and influence crucial decisions affecting the ruling party’s future, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting is widely anticipated to be a “make-or-break” session for the APC, with several contentious issues expected to dominate discussions:

• Succession to National Chairmanship: The primary agenda item is the selection of a substantive National Chairman to replace Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned in June. Intense lobbying is underway, with strong calls from the North-Central geopolitical zone for the position to be returned to their region, arguing it was controversially moved to the North-West during Ganduje’s emergence.
• Zoning Formula for 2027: Deliberations will likely include the sensitive issue of zoning for future elective and appointive positions within the party. While President Tinubu has garnered endorsements for a second term, powerful northern blocs are reportedly agitating for a return of power to the North, setting up a potential internal conflict over the party’s rotation principle.
• Internal Party Cohesion: The NEC is expected to confront deepening internal divisions and factionalization, particularly in states like Bayelsa, Rivers, Benue, and Kano, where disputes over party structures and federal recognition remain unresolved.
• Constitutional Review & E-registration: Updates from the Constitution Review Committee and efforts towards the party’s electronic membership registration will also be discussed, aimed at strengthening internal processes.
• Review of Administration’s Performance: While not a performance audit, discussions are expected to touch on the Tinubu administration’s midterm record, especially concerning the economic hardships caused by recent reforms like fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation. There’s reportedly mounting pressure to reposition the APC’s brand and governance style to avert voter backlash in 2027.

The NEC meeting, which will be attended by the President, Vice President, members of the National Working Committee, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, governors, and other statutory members, underscores the significant role the President intends to play in shaping the party’s strategic direction and leadership. The outcome of Thursday’s meeting is expected to have far-reaching implications for the APC’s unity, stability, and its readiness for the political contests ahead.