Key Highlights:
- Several APC heavyweights, including ex-President Buhari, Osinbajo, Amaechi, and El-Rufai, were absent.
- President Tinubu urged aggrieved party members to remain calm and pledged not to disappoint them.
- NEC passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu, Ganduje, and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
- APC inherited a debt of N8.98 billion from legal liabilities, according to Ganduje.
- Plans to relocate APC’s national secretariat to a larger space.
- Focus shifts to Anambra and Osun governorship elections.
Major APC Figures Absent as Tinubu Pushes for Party Unity
The much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was held on Tuesday at the Buhari House APC National Secretariat, Abuja—but it was marked by the absence of some of the party’s most influential figures.
Notably missing from the meeting were former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Their absence raised speculation about growing cracks within the ruling party, as all four have been vocal about their grievances with the current administration and party leadership.
Tinubu’s Call for Reconciliation
President Bola Tinubu, addressing the NEC, urged aggrieved party members to remain calm, assuring them that he would not let them down.
“In all the various states, let us set up reconciliatory committees to liaise with these aggrieved leaders. I am appealing to them, please be calm,” Tinubu stated.
He also highlighted what he described as his administration’s progress in food security and economic stability, particularly in the lead-up to Ramadan.
“On the economy, I am happy food prices are going down, particularly during this Ramadan period. Everywhere in the world, we have economic shocks, and we are doing everything possible to address them.”
To further strengthen party unity, the APC approved the creation of reconciliation committees across all states to resolve internal disputes.
NEC Passes Confidence Vote in Tinubu and Ganduje
Despite the absence of some top chieftains, the NEC passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu, National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and the National Working Committee (NWC).
The motion was moved by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and seconded by former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.
Ganduje, in his speech, outlined his achievements over the past 18 months and emphasized the party’s focus on the upcoming Anambra and Osun governorship elections.
“We have embarked on massive reconciliation of aggrieved party members, and this move is gradually yielding positive results for the party. Our focus is now on Anambra and Osun states,” Ganduje stated.
APC’s N8.98 Billion Debt Burden
One of the major revelations from the NEC meeting was the disclosure of a massive N8.98 billion debt inherited by the party.
According to Ganduje, these liabilities stem from legal cases related to pre-election disputes, governorship, and presidential election appeals.
“The National Legal Adviser has been making frantic efforts to reduce the debt burden through dialogue and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,” Ganduje explained.
He called on the NEC to intervene and help resolve the financial crisis, noting that some of the party’s accounts have been frozen due to outstanding legal debts.
APC Plans Relocation of National Secretariat
Another key highlight was Tinubu’s approval of plans to relocate the APC national secretariat to a larger, more suitable facility.
Ganduje revealed that the current location has become too small to accommodate party operations and the newly established Progressive Institute.
“We have formally applied for land at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to drive this project. We appeal for the intervention of Mr. President to ensure this project materializes,” Ganduje said.
Party Dismisses Concerns Over Absentee Leaders
At a post-meeting press briefing, APC spokesman Felix Morka downplayed the significance of the absence of key leaders, stating that it was unrealistic to expect full attendance.
He also confirmed that the party’s national chairmanship position has now been officially zoned to the North-West, putting an end to agitations from some North-Central APC leaders who had previously contested the decision.
Conclusion
While the NEC meeting served as a platform for Tinubu to rally support and address pressing party issues, the absence of powerful figures like Buhari, Osinbajo, Amaechi, and El-Rufai remains a major talking point.
With rising internal tensions, unresolved grievances, and a looming debt crisis, the APC faces a critical period in its political journey as it prepares for key elections in Anambra and Osun states.
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