Politics

2027: APC plots major NWC rejig ahead of Dec convention

Published

12 months ago

July 14, 2025

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Barring any last-minute changes, the All Progressives Congress is expected to set up a convention planning committee during its National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for July 24.

The PUNCH gathered that the committee will oversee preparations for the party’s National Elective Convention scheduled for December, where new members of the National Working Committee are to be elected.

Reliable party sources, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation, revealed that apart from replacing the national chairman, APC governors and other NEC members are pushing for a full elective convention to replace all current NWC members ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, several NWC members have reportedly begun lobbying to limit the shake-up to just the replacement of the acting national chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori.

Article 12 (4) of the APC Constitution 2022 (as amended) lists the 22 positions that make up the National Working Committee.

The NWC includes the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), Deputy National Chairman (South), National Secretary, Deputy National Secretary, six National Vice Chairmen—one from each geopolitical zone (referred to as Zonal Chairmen), National Legal Adviser, National Treasurer and National Financial Secretary.

Others include National Organising Secretary, National Welfare Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Auditor, National Woman Leader, Deputy National Woman Leader, National Youth Leader, and National Leader of Persons Living with Disabilities.

Also, Article 17 titled Tenure of Office (i to iii) stated, “Except as otherwise provided in this constitution, all officers of the party elected or appointed into the party’s organs shall serve in such organs for a period of four (4) years and shall be eligible for re-election or re-appointment for another period of four (4) years only, provided that an officer elected or appointed to fill a vacancy arising from death, resignation or otherwise will notwithstanding be eligible for election to same office for two terms.

It added, “No member shall serve in the same office for more than eight (8) years continuously, except a person who first came to the office by filling a vacancy or whose tenure was truncated as a result of the decision of an organ of the party authorised to do so and not on grounds of disciplinary action.

“No member can be an Officer at the National and State levels of the party concurrently, other than being an ex-officio member of that organ.”

Despite the constitutional provision, no national chairman or NWC member has completed a full four-year term at the helm of the ruling party, as their tenures are often cut short.

Most recently, on June 27, 2025, was the resignation of former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as national chairman.

This is reportedly linked to internal political manoeuvring and strategic positioning within the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.

On June 30, APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, announced that the party’s NEC meeting would be held in Abuja on July 24.

According to him, “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. And the date, 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.”

A reliable source told The PUNCH that Dalori is expected to remain in office until December when party delegates will elect new members of the NWC.

The source stated, “Most of the critical stakeholders and even the Presidency are not interested in nominating a new national chairman during the NEC meeting slated for July. What many have supported so far is an elective convention.

“So, at the NEC, the party may constitute a convention planning committee. I said this because the governors and other party leaders want a total change of the current NWC.

“There may be a national elective convention in December. Nobody is planning to replace Dalori in July to the best of my knowledge. Dalori will lead the party to a convention where new leaders of the party will emerge.”

Another source also confirmed that the party was preparing for a December convention to elect new NWC members to reflect the interests of certain governors and recent entrants into the ruling party.

The source said, “The ongoing conversation among party leaders is centred on the December convention. They are concerned about how new NWC members will emerge and lead the party into the 2027 elections.

“It’s not just about replacing Ganduje; the December convention is intended to produce new party leaders.

“This is seen as crucial to accommodate those who have recently joined the party and those expected to join before then, especially governors who are becoming influential in the APC’s national leadership.

“As we speak, some NWC members are already lobbying. They want to retain their positions and are trying to influence other NEC members to simply announce Ganduje’s replacement. But the broader plan is to hold a December convention to elect a new set of party leaders.”

He added, “In the coming days, the governors will brief the President. If he gives his approval, the NEC meeting in July will then constitute the necessary committees.”

Attempts to reach the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for a response were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable at the time of filing this report.

However, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, told our correspondent in an exclusive interview that there was currently no such plan in place.

He said the NEC meeting scheduled for July 24 would decide whether a convention would be held or not.

He added that clearer direction would emerge after party stakeholders meet with President Bola Tinubu in the coming days.

He stated, “There’s nothing like that for now. Everything about whether to have an elective convention by December is for the NEC to decide. So, nobody can preempt what NEC will bring or agree to.

“We will be pre-empting the agenda of NEC. I am sure this week, we will be aware of the agenda of NEC.

“Right now, the agenda has not been fixed. But you know, Mr President is back now. He is the leader of the party, and he will relate with the party’s leadership as to the agenda of NEC on that day.”

The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, also stated that Nigerians should anticipate a stronger and more effective ruling party following the upcoming NEC meeting and other related gatherings.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Ibrahim urged those rejoicing over Ganduje’s exit and hoping for the downfall of the APC to reconsider their stance.

He stated, “Ganduje resigned on his own volition as the chairman of the party. He did not resign his membership of the party.

“So in whatever capacity Ganduje is, he is a bona fide member of the APC, and he’s in a position to contribute positively. So those of them who are celebrating his exit, wishing our party was bad had better change their mind and go back to have a rethink.

“From our July NEC and other meetings, Nigerians should expect a stronger APC, a more determined APC, an APC that will consolidate the gains of what it has done so far and re-emphasise the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

Punch

Politics

Peter Obi advises Tinubu to consider quitting like UK PM

Published

3 days ago

June 22, 2026

Austin Ojomah

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The Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises. And having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.

Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible”

Politics

Enugu North by-election: APC candidate emerges winner

Published

4 days ago

June 21, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has emerged the winner of the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.

Asogwa polled 162,360 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Nestor Ezeme of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 9,299 votes.

The by-election was conducted to replace late Senator Okey Ezea, who was representing the district at the time he died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62.

Announcing the result on Sunday in Nsukka, the Returning Officer of the election, Prof Christian Ezeibe, the Dean, Department of Students Affairs at University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, said Asogwa scored the highest votes in the election to emerge the winner.

“Asogwa having satisfied the requirements of the law in this election is hereby declared the winner and is returned.

“I thank you all for your cooperation, support and maturity that made the by-election a success,” he said.

According to Ezeibe, the number of registered voters in Enugu North Senatorial District was 727, 340 while 184,094 were accredited in the election.

A breakdown of the result scored by five other candidates showed that Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the African Democratic Party, ADC, polled 1,676 votes while Kingsley Aneke of Boot Party, BP, got 1607 votes.

Other candidates are Ejike Simon Eze of Labour Party, LP, 1,027 votes, OssElias Okwudiri Ossai of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, 3,129 votes and Charles Ugochukwu of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, 667 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Asogwa, the senator elect, said the outcome reflected the overwhelming support of the residents of the six local government areas that made up the Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

He promised to give the senatorial zone quality and effective representation to justify the massive support and confidence residents had expressed through their votes.

Politics

Official: INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election

Published

5 days ago

June 21, 2026

Admin

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

The Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election, Adenike Oladiji, who declared the results at about 3:13 a.m. on Sunday, said that Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes.

Oladiji, a professor and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, said that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, scored 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Party (ADP) polled 12,872 votes.

According to her, a total of 384,940 voters were accredited for the election, with 375,777 valid votes, 6,332 rejected votes, and total votes cast.

Voting, which began at about 8:31 a.m, ended officially at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, with more than 300,000 voters casting their ballots.

INEC has declared Biodun Oyebanji of the APC as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, said the incumbent governor polled 319,224 votes.

She also said that while the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, scored 40,543 votes, Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Party (ADP) polled 12,872 votes.

2:25 a.m.

Following the conclusion of the collation of results from the 16 LGAs, the Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Professor Adenike Oladiji, says that the results will be transferred to the Form EC8D.

2:22 a.m.

Moba LGA

ADC- 994

APC – 20,500

PDP – 1,572

2:19 a.m.

Ekiti East

ADC- 1,730

APC – 26,359

PDP – 2,795

2:15 a.m.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA

ADC- 511

APC – 29,278

PDP – 2,119

The collation officer said that the result from one of the polling units was cancelled due to over-voting.

2:08 a.m.

Ikole LGA

ADC- 812

APC – 26,508

PDP – 750

2:04 a.m.

Aiyekire (Gbonyin) LGA

ADC- 314

APC – 17,133

PDP – 1,563

1:52 a.m.

Oye LGA

ADC- 998

APC – 18,975

PDP – 2,891

1:49 a.m.

Ise/Orun LGA

ADC- 365

APC – 12,908

PDP – 1,627

1:40 a.m.

Ilejemeje LGA

ADC- 579

APC – 8,984

PDP – 1,243

1:37 a.m.

Ado Ekiti LGA

ADC- 1,054

APC – 38,026

PDP – 3,817

1:31 a.m.

Ekiti West LGA

ADC- 674

APC – 28,258

PDP – 3,644

1:26 a.m.

Ido-Osi LGA

ADC- 561

APC – 17,901

PDP – 1,449

1:22 a.m.

Ekiti South-West LGA

ADC- 1,076

APC – 14,705

PDP – 1,800

1:13 a.m.

Ikere LGA

ADC- 245

APC – 11,116

PDP – 9,892

1:12 a.m.

Ijero LGA

ADC- 2,026

APC – 25,506

PDP – 2,479

1 a.m.

Efon LGA

ADC- 201

APC – 8,742

PDP – 2051

12:59 a.m.

Emure LGA

ADC – 732

APC – 14,325

PDP – 851

12:57 a.m. The announcement of results from the LGAs has begun.

12:37 a.m. The Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Professor Adenike Oladiji.

12:35 a.m. INEC has begun the collation of results of the Ekiti State governorship election. The exercise is taking place in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

11:51 p.m. As of 11:50 p.m., 97.18 per cent of the Ekiti State governorship election results have been uploaded on the INEC IReV portal. Results have been submitted from 2,376 out of 2,445 polling units.

9:27 p.m. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, has said that the official collation of the governorship election results from the LGAs will commence at 10 p.m. on Saturday.

9:21 p.m. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, has explained that 19 political parties were contained in the ballot paper for the Ekiti election to avoid the financial cost of printing fresh ballot papers due to court orders.

8:32 p.m. Shogunle also says one person was arrested for ballot box snatching during the election.

8:23 p.m. Commissioner of Police in charge of security for the Ekiti State governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, says the police have not received any report of vote buying in the exercise so far.

7:59 p.m. Yiaga Africa’s Samson Itodo says 24 incidents of violence were reported across 10 local government areas during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

4:35 p.m. INEC has commenced the upload of polling unit results from the Ekiti State governorship election to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV), after the official close of voting.

As of 6p.m. on Saturday, the commission had uploaded 846 results out of the 2,445 expected polling unit results, representing 34.60 per cent of the total.

4:30 p.m. INEC says that all 2,445 PUs were successfully opened for the governorship election earlier in the day. According to the body, 2,257 PUs (92.31 per cent) opened on schedule before 8:30 a.m, while 188 PUs (7.69 per cent) experienced minor delays but commenced voting before 10:30 a.m.

4 p.m. Voting was still ongoing as of 4 p.m. at Polling Unit 006, where the PDP candidate cast his vote, as some of the voters insisted that they must exercise their civic responsibility.

3:35 p.m. Channels Television correspondent provides an update on the election as collation begins at different polling units in the state.

3:40 p.m. Chairman of the Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Organisation and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has said that the outcome of today’s governorship election will be a referendum on the performance of the President Bola Tinubu government, its acceptance, and the popularity of the party in Ekiti State.

3:13 p.m. Yiaga Africa urges citizens and stakeholders to keep a close eye on the preparedness, transparency, and neutrality in the Ekiti State governorship election.

2:43 p.m. Sorting of votes has commenced at Polling Unit 001, Ado D Ijigbo in Ado LGA. Various party agents and security agents are currently monitoring the exercise.

2:37 p.m. Sorting and counting commenced at Polling Unit 008, Ugele/Arokun ward, Ikere Local Government Area.

But the exercise became rowdy at the polling unit as party officials and members argued over the validity of ballot papers.

1:50 p.m. Social Democratic Party candidate Olugbenga Obafemi has cast his vote in Ekiti governorshjip election.

12:31 p.m. Candidate of the APC and incumbent governor Oyebanji has dismissed allegations of voter harassment and intimidation raised by the PDP’s Oluyede, describing the conduct of the election as satisfactory.

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 003, Okelele, Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area, the governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Olayemi, said anyone making such allegations must provide evidence to substantiate their claims.

He urged eligible voters who had yet to vote to come out and discharge their civic responsibility peacefully.

11:05 A voter and resident of Ikogosi, Fatokun Babatunde, commends INEC and security agencies for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election process so far.

He also urges the people of Ekiti State to reject violence and uphold peace, stressing that despite political differences, they remain one people united by a common heritage and shared future.

10:19 a.m. Polling Unit 003 in Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government Area, awaits the arrival of the APC governorship candidate and incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is expected to cast his ballot shortly.

Channels TV correspondent Eyitope Kuteyi reports a surging crowd at the polling unit, alongside a heavy security presence comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

10:10 a.m. Africa Democratic Congress candidate Dare Bejide has cast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

Bejide, however, raised concerns about alleged vote buying

10 a.m. An observer and First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sebastian Anyia, says the election process has so far been peaceful and orderly, with voter turnout proving encouraging.

He expresses optimism that the smooth conduct witnessed will be sustained across all 16 local government areas until the conclusion of the exercise.

9:58 a.m. The PDP governorship candidate, Oluwole Oluyede, has cast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

He voted in polling unit 006 in Ugele/Arokun ward, Ikere LGA.

Oluwole expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, saying that most voters at his polling unit had yet to cast their votes due to a problem with the BVAS.

9:56 a.m. Peoples Democratic Party candidate Oluwole Oluyede has arrived at his polling unit in Ikere LGA to ast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.