Leadership Transition in the APC
With the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting approaching, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to make a pivotal decision regarding its national chairman. Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is emerging as the leading candidate for the position. Multiple sources have indicated that he is the preferred choice, although some suggest that Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State, is also under consideration.
The party’s leadership, including the president and governors, has narrowed its search to two candidates. This decision comes after the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, which was triggered by internal protests from North Central stakeholders who felt overlooked following the exit of Senator Abdullahi Adamu after the 2023 general election that brought President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power.
Zoning the chairmanship back to the North Central region is seen as a strategic move to address concerns, particularly under the Muslim-Muslim presidency of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Whoever is chosen will replace acting chairman Ali Bukar Dalori, who took over after Ganduje’s departure.
Key Contenders and Political Dynamics
Nentawe, a technocrat and Christian from the Middle Belt, is viewed as a strategic choice to balance the Muslim-Muslim presidency. His emergence could help address longstanding complaints of exclusion and improve the party’s image ahead of the 2027 elections. Sources indicate that President Tinubu and his advisers believe his selection could be beneficial.
However, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that Nentawe, who joined the APC less than four years ago, lacks the political depth to navigate the party’s complex internal dynamics. Some insiders suggest that he may be reluctant to give up his ministerial post, which provides a platform for a possible governorship bid in Plateau, a position he narrowly lost in 2023.
Al-Makura remains a formidable contender, according to insiders. A founding father of the APC, he is respected for his consistency and maturity. However, the prevailing sentiment in the party and presidency is to have a Christian chairman for strategic balance.
The Role of the NEC and Party Strategy
The final decision may hinge on the outcome of last night’s meeting of APC governors. An insider revealed that Nentawe, Al-Makura, SGF George Akume, and other influential figures were expected to meet with President Tinubu ahead of today’s NEC session. The party is banking on the president’s influence to resolve this once and for all, aiming to fix the leadership structure and begin strategizing for 2027.
Observers note that the APC is under pressure to stem the momentum building around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and maintain its edge over the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Once the leadership issue is settled, expect Tinubu to make sweeping appointments both in the party and in government, using the governors and other structures to consolidate his grip ahead of 2027.
Leadership Shake-ups and Internal Challenges
The APC is no stranger to leadership shake-ups. Since 2015, the party has faced multiple chairmanship crises, including the dramatic exits of John Odigie-Oyegun and Adams Oshiomhole, both removed amid intense internal wrangling. Adamu’s 2023 exit was no less controversial, and Ganduje’s brief tenure failed to quell discontent, especially from the North Central bloc.
Today’s NEC meeting could finally resolve the lingering leadership vacuum or deepen existing fractures. For now, all eyes remain on Nentawe, and possibly Al-Makura.
PDP’s Internal Developments
In a related development, the PDP will also hold its NEC meeting today, where key decisions are expected on the upcoming national convention, zoning of party offices, and ratification of congresses across the country. The NEC is also set to receive reports from the party’s Zoning Committee and the National Convention Committee, both established to facilitate early preparations for the PDP’s national convention scheduled to hold from August 28 to 30, 2025, in Kano.
The founding members and senior stakeholders of the PDP convened a consultative conference in Abuja on Wednesday, reaffirming their commitment to the party’s survival while criticising recent defections. Present at the meeting were Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), among others.
Future Leadership and Unity
Plans for a new National Chairman are already underway within the PDP. Sources confirmed that leaders are exploring options for a new national chairman to emerge at the 2025 convention, one who can unify the party and reposition it for the 2027 elections. Founding fathers, led by Professor Jerry Gana, are spearheading efforts to ensure a credible, committed leader takes the helm.
The major question now is who will lead the party forward. They want someone loyal to the PDP, someone who will stay, not defect when it matters. Despite initial considerations of former Senate President David Mark, his resignation from the party and emergence as the interim chairman of the ADC coalition means party leaders are now looking at other options.
