Race Heats Up! Al-Makura, Yilwatda Top List To Replace Ganduje As APC Boss

There are strong signals that former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, have emerged as the leading candidates to succeed Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This development is unfolding ahead of the APC’s crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for Thursday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Ganduje, who stepped down in June, officially cited health reasons. However, party insiders suggest that his resignation was driven more by internal political dynamics and mounting pressure from key factions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following his resignation, Ali Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North), assumed the role of Acting National Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.

According to sources quoted by Punch, Thursday’s NEC meeting is expected to deliberate on critical matters, including the ratification of a new chairman, a report from the Constitution Review Committee, and the timeline for party congresses across the country.

Confidential sources at the APC headquarters indicated that many stakeholders are backing Dalori to remain in his acting capacity until an elective convention is held to constitute a new National Working Committee (NWC).

Key party players, including members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and the current NWC, are said to be awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s final nod before declaring their positions on the leadership question.

Tanko Al-Makura and Prof. Yilwatda are reportedly enjoying growing support due to their political pedigree and strong regional backing.

Historically, the APC has had five national chairmen prior to Ganduje: Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), Chief John Oyegun (2014–2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).

As provided under Article 13.3 of the party’s amended 2022 Constitution, the NEC has the power to appoint a new National Chairman and set up a Caretaker Committee where necessary.

Specifically, Article 13.3 (1i and ii) empowers the NEC to summon the National Convention, prepare its agenda, and handle its duties in between conventions.

Further, Article 13.3 (B and C) states that the NEC may constitute a Caretaker Committee, with a tenure not exceeding 12 months, in any organ of the party—excluding the National Convention and National Advisory Council—when circumstances demand it for the greater good of the party.