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The All Progressives Congress has scheduled its National Executive Committee meeting for July 24 in Abuja, to decide whether Deputy Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, will remain as acting national chairman until the national convention or if a new substantive chairman will be appointed.

This was announced by the APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, following the National Working Committee meeting held on Monday in Abuja.

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, stepped down as APC National Chairman on Friday, citing health reasons.

Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, and in accordance with the party’s constitution, Dalori was named acting national chairman.

APC Deputy National Secretary stated, “As you are all aware, the National Executive Committee is the apex body of the party and so, whatever it is that we do now, including the endorsement of the national chairman, must also receive the blessings of the NEC.

“And during the meeting, if they so desire that a new chairman is nominated, we’ll also accept such nomination and then wait for the convention where the final position of the party will be made as far as the substantive chairman is concerned.

“So, that’s as much as I can tell you. The suggested date for the NEC meeting is the 24th of July, 2025. It’s going to be here, on the premises of the APC.”

Fuanter, while explaining that the NWC also deliberated on the upcoming by-elections, stated that preparations were in full swing to secure victory for APC candidates.

He stated, “As you are aware, today the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress held its National Working Committee meeting.

“And it is also public knowledge that our chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, during the weekend, tendered his resignation as the national chairman.

“And so, it made it incumbent upon the National Working Committee to hold a vital National Working Committee meeting.

“One of the aspects of the meeting that the National Working Committee trashed effectively is the acceptance of the resignation of the former national chairman of the party, who, on health grounds, had tendered his resignation.

“The National Working Committee wished him a speedy recovery and a peaceful rest so that he can take care of his health.”

He said following Ganduje’s exit, Dalori was endorsed as acting national chairman of the party.

He stated, “And so, in compliance with that provision of the Constitution, the Deputy National Chairman North, in the person of Ali Bukar Dalori, was endorsed by the National Working Committee as the Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

Fuanter also stated that the ruling party would soon unveil its full plans for the upcoming by-elections.

“Other issues that were discussed at the NWC also included preparations for our by-elections in some of the states where members of the National Assembly, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the House of Assembly had died or had resigned.

“And so, preparations are in top gear to ensure that bye-elections are held in those areas. We also discussed our Congresses that are forthcoming. And as soon as the time comes, we’ll let you know.

“But in the interim, we’ve already rolled out our plans and we’ll soon be making them public as far as our positions are concerned as far as Congresses in states, wards, and local governments.”

At the start of the NWC meeting, Dalori highlighted the importance of revitalising the party, reinforcing its internal framework, and reestablishing strong ties with the grassroots.

He stated, “My appointment to this role is not a personal victory. It is a responsibility I embrace with full awareness of the challenges ahead and the expectations of millions of our members and supporters across the nation.

“As someone who has served faithfully within this party and as a longstanding member of the NWC, I assure you of my dedication to carrying out this role with transparency, inclusiveness, and unity of purpose.

“We must keep our eyes on the bigger picture: delivering good governance to the Nigerian people, deepening democracy within our party structures, and preparing for the future with clarity and determination.

“As we head toward 2027, we must begin now to strengthen our internal processes, reconnect with our grassroots, and re-energize our structures across all levels.”

Dalori, on behalf of the NWC, reiterated their steadfast support for President Bola Tinubu’s bold reform initiatives.

He stated, “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a campaign slogan; it is a living roadmap that is already addressing fundamental challenges in our economy, security, and national cohesion. The APC remains the political vehicle to drive this transformation, and we will stand by the President in full loyalty and partnership.

“To all party members and stakeholders, I urge us to stay united. Political transitions often create uncertainty, but we must not allow it to breed disunity. We must avoid actions and words that divide us and focus on what binds us — our shared belief in the promise of Nigeria and the future of the APC.”

In his remarks, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, revealed that he officially submitted Ganduje’s resignation letter to the National Working Committee, and it was duly accepted.

He stated, “On behalf of the party, I present formally to the NWC the resignation letter of the former chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje. The formal motion was moved for the acceptance of the resignation and it was ably seconded.

“And in line with Article 14 of our constitution, the motion was equally moved that the Deputy National Chairman of NWC, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, assumed the office of the acting National Chairman pending the time that the office of National Chairman will be filled by the National Executive Committee of the party.”