APC Plots Full Leadership Overhaul Ahead of 2027, Convention Likely in December

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is gearing up for a significant leadership shake-up as it prepares for its December National Elective Convention, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to emerge.

Sources within the party revealed that the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24 will likely lead to the formation of a convention planning committee. This committee will coordinate the transition to a new leadership team as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections.

While there are efforts by some current NWC members to limit the reshuffle to just the replacement of Acting National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, party stakeholders—especially governors—are reportedly advocating for a comprehensive overhaul.

According to Article 12 (4) of the APC Constitution, the NWC comprises 22 key positions, including the National Chairman, Secretary, six Vice Chairmen, Treasurer, Legal Adviser, Publicity Secretary, and various other strategic roles. However, despite constitutional provisions allowing for a four-year term renewable once, no member of the NWC has ever completed a full tenure.

The recent resignation of former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje on June 27—driven by internal political maneuvering—has only intensified calls for a broader leadership transition.

Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter earlier confirmed that the July NEC meeting will set the direction for selecting new party leaders. “If they so desire that a new chairman is nominated, we’ll also accept such nomination and wait for the convention where the final position will be made,” he said.

However, a reliable source indicated that President Bola Tinubu and influential party leaders are leaning toward an elective convention in December rather than rushing to fill Ganduje’s position at the NEC meeting.

“There’s no real plan to appoint a substantive chairman this month. Dalori is expected to remain in office until the convention, where a new set of leaders will be chosen,” the source added.

The move is part of broader efforts to reposition the APC and accommodate new political entrants ahead of the 2027 polls. Some current NWC members are lobbying for their retention, but pressure is mounting from governors and other blocs seeking fresh leadership.

Duro Meseko, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, told The PUNCH that the NEC would determine the party’s next steps. “Right now, the agenda has not been fixed. Mr. President is back and will meet with the party’s leadership. That will guide the NEC’s direction,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim assured that the party will emerge stronger from these deliberations. “Those celebrating Ganduje’s exit are mistaken. He’s still a valuable party member. Nigerians should expect a more determined and united APC focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

As the countdown to the NEC meeting begins, all eyes are on the party’s internal power dynamics and whether December’s convention will mark a new chapter for the APC.