Ganduje’s Exit Looms? Al-Makura, Yilwatda Lead Fierce Race For APC Chairmanship

Strong signals have emerged that former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, have positioned themselves as frontrunners in the race to succeed Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This development comes just ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Ganduje, who had been under intense internal scrutiny from key factions within the party, formally resigned in June, citing health-related concerns.

However, ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, insiders maintain that the resignation was influenced more by shifting political alliances and growing pressure ahead of the 2027 general elections than by personal health matters.

Following Ganduje’s exit, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, assumed the position of Acting National Chairman, pending the selection of a substantive successor.

High-ranking party insiders revealed that the upcoming NEC meeting will deliberate on critical issues such as the selection of a new national chairman, updates from the party’s Constitution Review Committee, and the timetable for upcoming party congresses across the country.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, a number of party stakeholders, including the Progressives Governors’ Forum and members of the current National Working Committee (NWC), are awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s final endorsement before making any official pronouncements regarding party leadership.

Sources within the APC secretariat—speaking under condition of anonymity—disclosed that Dalori may be allowed to continue in acting capacity until an Elective Convention is convened to appoint a permanent leadership team.

The names of Al-Makura and Yilwatda have reportedly gained traction within internal circles, due to their extensive political experience and regional appeal. Both men are seen as viable choices capable of steering the party through the next political phase.

Prior to Ganduje’s tenure, the APC had been led by five other chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande, Chief John Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, Mai Mala Buni, and Abdullahi Adamu. The NEC, empowered by Article 13.3 of the party’s amended 2022 Constitution, holds the authority to appoint a National Chairman and establish a Caretaker Committee in exceptional circumstances.

The Constitution further provides that any such caretaker arrangement must not exceed a 12-month tenure.

As the ruling party prepares for this pivotal leadership decision, all eyes remain fixed on Thursday’s NEC meeting, where the future direction of the APC may be decisively shaped.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”