There are strong indications that former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, have emerged as top contenders in the race to replace Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naijaonpoint reports that the development comes ahead of Thursday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling party scheduled to take place at its national secretariat in Abuja.
Recall that Ganduje, who had faced sustained criticism from some quarters within the party, resigned in June, citing health-related issues.
However, insiders believe his resignation was not unconnected to internal political realignments and mounting pressure from key power blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Following his exit, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, was appointed as Acting National Chairman, pending the emergence of a substantive replacement.
Sources within the APC confirmed to Punch that Thursday’s NEC meeting will consider crucial issues, including the appointment of a new national chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and scheduling of party congresses nationwide.
The sources at the APC National Secretariat, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, disclosed that many party leaders were in favour of Ali Dalori continuing as the party’s acting chairman until a formal Elective Convention was held to choose new National Working Committee members.
Stakeholders across the APC, including the Progressives Governors’ Forum and members of the current National Working Committee (NWC), are reportedly awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s final endorsement before making any public commitments.
One of the sources added that party stakeholders, including members of the Progressives Governors Forum and the current National Working Committee, were all awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s decision on his final position on the party leadership.
Party insiders confirmed that Tanko Al-Makura and Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda have emerged as the leading contenders, given their strong political profiles and regional support.
Prior to Ganduje, the APC had five previous chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), Chief John Oyegun (2014–2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).
Article 13.3 of the amended 2022 APC Constitution grants the NEC the authority to appoint the National Chairman and establish a Caretaker Committee, among other powers.
Article 13.3 (1i and ii) states, “The National Executive Committee of the Party shall be the Principal Executive body of the Party and shall perform the following functions: summon or convene the National Convention and prepare its agenda, discharge all functions of the National Convention in between National Conventions.”
Article 13.3 (B and C) adds, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, the National Executive Committee shall have the power to set up a Caretaker Committee in place of any organ at all levels, except the National Advisory Council and National Convention, where in its opinion there is a compelling situation warranting such action in the overriding interest of the Party.
“Any such Committee shall have a defined tenure not exceeding twelve (12) months.”