The highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took place on Tuesday at the Buhari House in Abuja, with notable absentees including former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and influential party figures like Nasir el-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi.
Despite the absences, key figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several governors were in attendance.
Addressing NEC members, President Bola Tinubu called for calm among aggrieved party members and emphasized his administration’s progress in security and economic reforms. He expressed optimism about food prices stabilizing ahead of Ramadan and approved the establishment of reconciliation committees across all states.
“The National Working Committee is doing a good job, and I am happy with them. Let us set up reconciliation committees to liaise with aggrieved leaders. I appeal to them—please be calm. I promise not to let you down,” Tinubu assured.
Party chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who received a confidence vote, outlined his achievements and affirmed APC’s commitment to winning upcoming governorship elections in Anambra and Osun states.
“Our focus is now on Anambra and Osun states. In compliance with INEC’s timetable, we have begun preparations for the primaries in Anambra scheduled for April,” Ganduje stated.
He also revealed that the party inherited legal liabilities of nearly ₦9 billion from previous election cases, appealing to NEC for financial intervention.
Ganduje announced plans to relocate the APC national secretariat, citing space constraints. The party has formally requested land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to build a new complex and a Progressive Institute. Tinubu pledged support for the project.
Party spokesperson Felix Morka dismissed concerns over the absence of top NEC members, asserting that full attendance is never guaranteed at such meetings. He also criticized el-Rufai’s recent remarks about the party’s leadership, urging him to maintain decorum.
“El-Rufai is highly respected, but his grievance-driven commentaries should not be taken seriously. If he continues to engage, people have the right to reply,” Morka warned.
With NEC’s vote of confidence in Tinubu and Ganduje, APC now shifts focus to upcoming elections and internal reconciliation, aiming to solidify its grip on power.
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