Details have emerged on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) replaced Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State as chairman of its national convention central coordination committee.
Recall the party had apppointed Aminu Masari, a former governor of Katsina State to take over from Uzodimma as chairman of the convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026.
Uzodimma, who had been named chairman of the 73-member committee just a few weeks ago, was reassigned as treasurer in the new structure.
Some senior APC officials disclosed that the leadership change was aimed at accommodating and showing respect to ‘old leaders’ of the party.
APC officials who spoke PUNCH said the decision was influenced by zoning considerations and the desire to give a sense of inclusion to senior party leaders.
A current member of the national working committee (NWC) of the party explained that Masari and Anyim “represented old leaders of the party and were considered suitable to lead the convention committee.”
“The leadership of the party felt that the old leaders should be accorded the respect of holding the chairmanship position. That was why they settled for Alhaji Masari and also Senator Pius Anyim. They are experienced hands of the party and, for now, are not seeking political office. So, they may be more even-handed in bringing their experience to bear in those positions.
“The convention committee leadership change has nothing to do with whether somebody has something against Governor Uzodimma, contrary to speculations. That is why he was chosen as the treasurer of the committee. He will still play a very prominent role in the convention, particularly as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” said the NWC member, who requested anonymity.
Another senior party official said the APC also applied the ‘zoning card’ in making the decision, noting that “since President Tinubu is from the South, it would be appropriate to have a northern APC leader as the convention chairman.”
“When you also look at the composition of the committee, it is all-embracing. Aside from the governors, we have all the principal officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly, as well as former presiding officers who are members of the party. It also has all the former national chairmen who are still within the party,” the official added.
He said the committee’s inclusiveness was designed to give all stakeholders a sense of belonging, adding:
“The committee also has some other key functionaries from the Federal Executive Council, like the Ministers of Defence, Interior, Works and others.
“The convention is likely going to be built around consensus for the emergence of the National Working Committee. The process for the congress is already in top gear. People have been buying forms, and we expect to have a rancour-free convention.”
When asked about the reason for the reconstitution, APC national secretary declined comment, stating, “I have nothing to say about that.”