There is ever-growing tension in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the likelihood of an extension of tenure for party executive committees at all levels, with the approach of the congresses and national convention dates.
Stakeholders are reported to be worried about President Bola Tinubu’s position on the way forward regarding the party leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, APC governors have called for calm, assuring that party leaders will address the issue at the appropriate time.
In a statement made through his media advisor, the Progressives Governors Forum chairman and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said that the APC remains united and determined to guard the aspirations of Nigerians.
Although the party’s national spokesperson, Felix Morka, made no utterances, sources revealed that the option of retaining the current executives beyond 2027 is being considered to avoid internal conflicts that will destabilize the party before its primaries.
As has been suggested by insiders, one of the options being discussed is moving to lodge a motion in the forthcoming convention to retain existing executives from national to the ward level until after the next general elections. This move, they noted, demonstrates President Tinubu’s lean towards stability and long-term political maneuvering.
The magazine noted that such internal struggles following the 2018 congresses weighed the APC dearly in Rivers and Zamfara States during the 2019 elections.
Its most recent National Executive Committee (NEC) sitting in July had already prolonged its ward, local government, and state executives’ terms to December 31, 2025. The action, sanctioned by President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, and national officers, aimed at stabilising the party before 2027.
Meanwhile, the APC has also commenced countrywide constitutional review in Calabar, Cross River State, to propel inclusivity, equity, and internal democracy.
At the South-South public hearing, APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, clarified the exercise is pursuant to President Tinubu’s directive to make the party more reactive to today’s realities.
Cross River APC chairman Alphonsus Ogar Eba also assured that the review process was initiated by the President, while House Speaker Elvert Ayambem, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, described it as a necessary step towards party consolidation.
During her presentation, APC special leader Dr. Juliana Diwa recommended the creation of deputy positions for persons with disabilities at both national and state levels of party leadership.
Governor Uzodimma reemphasized that the issue of tenure would be addressed through negotiation, saying, “As a responsible and responsive party, we believe in mutual consultation. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it.”
