Abuja, Nigeria – As anticipation builds ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party leadership has categorically denied speculation that President Bola Tinubu may push for the resignation of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Dispelling the rumors, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, in an exclusive interview with Hobnob News, dismissed the claims as mere fabrications. He assured that the upcoming NEC meeting is a routine gathering and has no agenda that suggests Ganduje’s removal.
APC National Secretary Debunks Ganduje Ouster Rumors
When asked about the speculation surrounding the meeting, Basiru described the reports as a “figment of imagination” by those spinning the narrative.
“There is nothing like that. The NEC is a routine meeting, not an elective one. We have been trying to hold this session since September last year. Finally, it has been confirmed that we will hold a National Caucus meeting on Tuesday, followed by the NEC meeting on Wednesday.”
Basiru also outlined the key items on the agenda, stating that the meeting will focus on the party’s projects for 2025, alongside reviewing its financial statements, as required under Nigeria’s electoral law. He further revealed that discussions will include membership re-registration, which is set to commence soon, as well as a briefing on the Progressive Institute, an ideological and intellectual arm of the APC.
The APC Secretary described the meeting as a “carnival-like session,” with party leaders and stakeholders expected to participate in the crucial discussions that will shape the party’s future.
El-Rufai Opts Out, Cites Lack of Adequate Notice
Meanwhile, former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed that he will not be attending the high-profile NEC meeting.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, which he described as his first major media appearance in a long time, El-Rufai revealed that he was not officially invited and will be traveling to Egypt on the day of the meeting.
“Unfortunately, I will not be in attendance. I will be on my way back to Cairo, where I spend most of my time. I wasn’t given adequate notice. The APC Constitution requires at least 14 to 21 days’ notice for such national meetings, and I don’t think this notice was properly served.
“If it was given, I did not receive any official invitation two or three weeks ago. So, I already had my plans in place, and I am leaving tomorrow. However, many of my friends will be there, so I will be fully briefed on what was discussed.”
El-Rufai’s absence comes amid rising political intrigue within the APC, with speculation about internal party dynamics and leadership alignments growing stronger.
Significance of the NEC Meeting
This NEC meeting will mark the first major gathering of APC bigwigs and stakeholders since Ganduje assumed the party’s chairmanship.
It will be recalled that Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, alongside Senator Ajibola Basiru, had their appointments ratified at the last NEC meeting, held on August 3, 2023, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The upcoming gathering will be chaired by President Bola Tinubu and is expected to have an impressive lineup of party heavyweights, including:
- Vice President Kashim Shettima
- Former President Muhammadu Buhari
- National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje
- Senate President, Dr. Godswill Akpabio
- Past and present APC Governors
- Former and serving Speakers of the House of Representatives
- State APC Chairmen
- National Working Committee (NWC) members
- Key stakeholders and party loyalists
APC’s Strategic Direction for 2025
With 2025 fast approaching, political analysts believe that this NEC meeting will serve as a strategic planning session for the APC, positioning the party for upcoming political challenges, including internal restructuring and governance strategies.
While rumors of Ganduje’s removal have been laid to rest, the meeting will provide a platform for party leaders to consolidate efforts and build unity ahead of critical political engagements.
With major figures like El-Rufai opting out, and heightened speculation on APC’s leadership and direction, all eyes remain on the outcome of the high-stakes NEC meeting and its implications for the ruling party’s future.
