'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held a high-stakes National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Tuesday night, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meeting, which is the second of its kind since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, set the tone for critical party decisions ahead of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
The meeting, which commenced at 7:20 p.m. local time, brought together top party leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Also in attendance were APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), APC governors, and senior party stakeholders.
Key issues on the agenda
One of the central discussions of the meeting was the proposed non-elective national convention, which is expected to chart the future course of the party. The establishment of party standing committees was also a major point of deliberation, as the APC seeks to enhance its internal governance structure.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the ongoing membership e-registration exercise, which is aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots mobilization and improving internal democracy. Another crucial item on the agenda was the legal status of the party, with a report from the APC National Legal Adviser reviewing ongoing litigations involving the party.
Top political figures in attendance
The caucus meeting saw the presence of APC governors, led by the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma. Other governors in attendance included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Niger State Governor Umar Bago, and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo.
Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva led a delegation of South-South APC leaders, while former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari and former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura were among the prominent figures representing the North.
Also in attendance were founding APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, and former party National Secretary Senator Iyiola Omisore. Other notable political figures present included former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim.
Strategic preparations for NEC meeting
The National Caucus meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) session on Wednesday, where final decisions on these key matters will be made. The non-elective convention, standing committees, and membership drive initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping the APC’s internal structure and readiness for upcoming electoral challenges.
Confidence vote on Tinubu for 2027
During the meeting, the caucus moved a motion of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that he remains the sole candidate for the party in the 2027 presidential election. The declaration underscored the unity within the party leadership and reaffirmed Tinubu's position as the key figure in the APC’s political strategy moving forward.
As the ruling party prepares for the 2027 general elections and other key political engagements, the outcomes of this caucus meeting and the subsequent NEC meeting are expected to influence APC’s strategy and direction in the coming years.
