The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may name a new National Chairman on Thursday as the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meets in Abuja, amid intense lobbying and internal power plays shaping the future of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, resigned in June citing health concerns, though insiders link his departure to deeper political realignments within the party. Following his resignation, Deputy National Chairman Ali Dalori was appointed as acting chairman.

Sources at the APC national secretariat confirmed that Thursday’s NEC meeting will focus on several key issues including the selection of a substantive National Chairman, electronic registration of members, constitutional amendments, congresses and preparations for upcoming by-elections.

Top contenders for the chairmanship include former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. Acting Chairman Dalori is also being considered by some party leaders who prefer continuity until an Elective Convention is held.

Party sources revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to attend Thursday’s NEC, has been briefed and is likely to influence the final decision. Several top party leaders met with him at the Presidential Villa on Monday to discuss the way forward.

A senior party official, speaking anonymously, said, “Many party stakeholders, including governors and National Working Committee members, are awaiting the President’s signal. Some believe Dalori should continue until the convention; others insist on appointing a substantive chairman immediately.”

The APC Constitution (Article 13.3) empowers the NEC to appoint a national chairman or set up a caretaker committee if necessary. The same NEC process was used in appointing Ganduje in August 2023.

Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, confirmed the meeting and its agenda: “If the NEC decides on a new chairman, we will accept the nomination pending a full convention to ratify it.”

The North-Central APC Forum has formally urged the party to return the chairmanship to their region, citing historical zoning arrangements and their significant contribution to the APC’s electoral success. In a statement by its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the forum argued that the region deserves the position based on fairness and performance.

“North-Central delivered the third-highest votes for President Tinubu in 2023 and controls five of the six states in the region. Returning the chairmanship is not a favour; it is earned,” Zazzaga stated.

The forum rejected any move to extend Dalori’s tenure, warning that retaining the chairmanship in the North-East would amount to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

Reacting to the regional calls, APC spokespersons in Kaduna and Zamfara called for a constitutional and democratic process in choosing the new chairman.

Salisu Wusono, Kaduna APC Publicity Secretary, said: “Any decision must align with the party’s constitution and democratic values. The North-Central’s request is valid but should be approached legally.”

Zamfara APC spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, said the party will support whoever emerges as long as the person works for unity and progress.

“We’re not happy Ganduje resigned, but we are ready to support his successor if he will promote peace and party growth,” Idris stated.

With final preparations in place for Thursday’s NEC meeting, all eyes are on the APC’s leadership to provide clarity on its direction. According to Eze Duru, Deputy Organising Secretary, the party will use the opportunity to “strengthen internal structures and show Nigerians that the APC is prepared to lead responsibly.”

Whether the NEC picks a substantive chairman or retains Dalori temporarily, Thursday’s meeting is expected to shape the party’s political trajectory as it navigates key reforms and prepares for 2027.