Panic In APC! Power Tussle Erupts Over Who Replaces Ganduje

Tension reached a boiling point on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja, as anxiety intensified over the uncertain future of the National Working Committee (NWC) members ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Sources within the party revealed to Daily Sun that the lingering uncertainty over who will succeed Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman has plunged the party’s leadership into confusion, leaving many officials unsure about their political fate.

Throughout the day, national officers and state chairmen held meetings at the APC headquarters but failed to reach a consensus on the way forward for the NWC.

A senior party insider, speaking under anonymity, blamed the deadlock on a lack of clear direction from the presidency. According to him, President Bola Tinubu has yet to make known his preferred choice for the position or clarify the broader leadership structure he envisions for the party.

It is understood that the presidency is considering multiple options, including the possible dissolution of the current NWC and the installation of a caretaker committee to manage the party until a national elective convention in March 2026.

The strong influence of the presidency over party affairs has caused discomfort among senior APC officials. One NWC member, also speaking anonymously, called the situation unprecedented.

“As of now, what’s certain is that the NEC meeting will proceed as scheduled on Thursday. Preparations have already begun, including setting up the tent at the secretariat, which will serve as the venue,” the official stated.

“Beyond that, many national officers remain in the dark about the party’s future direction after the NEC meeting. No one can say with confidence where we’re headed. The uncertainty we witnessed on Tuesday reflects the grip Mr. President has on the party. No national officer truly knows what’s next.”

Another source noted a significant shift from previous NEC meetings, pointing out the absence of internal lobbying or campaigns typically seen before leadership transitions.

“I’ve never seen such a tense build-up to the appointment or election of a national chairman. Everyone is simply waiting for direction from the presidency,” the source added.

“Several scenarios are being considered: appointing a new chairman—possibly from the North Central zone—or dissolving the NWC to set up a caretaker body to complete the current leadership’s term, which ends in March 2026. Hopefully, things will become clearer by Wednesday.”