There was palpable tension on Tuesday at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, as growing anxiety engulfed members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in anticipation of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Party insiders who spoke with Daily Sun described the atmosphere at the APC headquarters as one of unease and confusion, driven largely by the uncertainty over who will succeed Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the party's National Chairman. The lack of clear direction from the presidency, particularly from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reportedly left top party officials in a state of limbo.
Leadership Vacuum Deepens As State Chairmen, NWC Members Fail to Reach Consensus
Throughout Tuesday, key party stakeholders including state chairmen and national officers convened for extended hours at the secretariat, but the meetings reportedly ended in a stalemate, with no consensus on the future of the NWC or the broader leadership structure.
A senior party official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the main source of the deadlock was the absence of explicit guidance from President Tinubu, who has so far remained silent on the choice of a successor to Ganduje or whether a new leadership direction would be introduced.
“The silence from the presidency is unsettling. Everyone is waiting for the President to show his hand, but nothing concrete has come yet,” the source said.
Presidency Mulls Dissolution of NWC, Caretaker Option on the Table
Sources close to the corridors of power suggest that the presidency is considering a major shake-up of the party structure, including the possible dissolution of the current NWC and the formation of a caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs until an elective national convention is held in March 2026.
This uncertainty has left many in the APC leadership deeply concerned about their political futures. According to a member of the NWC who also requested anonymity, the lack of clarity has created an unprecedented level of instability within the party’s top ranks.
“There’s no clear path. The only thing we know for sure is that the NEC meeting will go ahead as scheduled on Thursday. Preparations have begun tents are being set up at the secretariat,” the official disclosed.
“But beyond that, no one can confidently say what direction the party is headed. It feels like the President has completely taken control of the party machinery, and even top officials are in the dark.”
Silence, Not Support: No Visible Lobbying for APC Chairmanship
In contrast to previous NEC build-ups, which were often marked by intense behind-the-scenes lobbying and campaign activities, this year’s lead-up has been eerily quiet, according to another party insider. The source noted that there has been no visible mobilisation or public support for any chairmanship contender, a sign that all eyes remain fixed on the presidency’s next move.
“It’s unusual. Normally, you’d see aspirants canvassing support across zones, but this time, nothing. Everyone is simply waiting for Abuja specifically, the Villa to decide.”
He added that the presidency is believed to be evaluating multiple options, including:
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Appointing a new National Chairman from the North Central zone, in line with regional balancing;
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Maintaining the status quo until March 2026;
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Or dissolving the NWC entirely and installing a temporary caretaker committee to steer the party toward a more stable future.
“What’s clear is that we should expect a clearer picture by Wednesday,” the source said. “Whether it’s a new chairman or a transitional arrangement, something decisive must emerge before the NEC meets.”
Conclusion: All Eyes on Tinubu as APC Awaits Key Decision
As the APC prepares for its crucial NEC meeting, the uncertainty surrounding the party’s national leadership has created widespread anxiety, especially among current officeholders unsure of their fate. With no clear roadmap or official communication from the presidency, the party remains suspended in a state of nervous anticipation, awaiting what could be a defining moment in its internal political future.
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