Tinubu Appeals to Aggrieved APC Members as Key Leaders Absence Marks NEC Meeting
Abuja, February 27, 2025 – The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held yesterday was marked by the conspicuous absence of several key party leaders, as President Bola Tinubu took the opportunity to address tensions within the party and appeal to discontented members.
This NEC meeting, the first since Tinubu assumed office as President in May 2023, and the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the party’s national chairman, took place at the APC national secretariat in Abuja. The absence of prominent figures such as former governors Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, as well as former President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, was noted. These leaders have been vocal in their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs within the party.
Despite the absence of these senior figures, the meeting was attended by key party members, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors, such as Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, among others.
Tinubu used the platform to assure party members, particularly those expressing frustration, that their concerns were heard and that the party would not let them down. “I understand your grievances,” Tinubu told the gathering, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the party’s internal challenges. “Please be calm, I promise not to let you down,” he added, reinforcing his pledge to keep the party united.
The President also took the opportunity to highlight economic progress, citing the recent decline in food prices ahead of Ramadan as a sign of improvement. “I am happy to report that food prices are coming down,” he said, signaling that the APC government was making strides in improving the country’s economy despite global economic shocks. He also emphasized that the NEC should work towards promoting the party’s progressive ideals.
In his remarks, Ganduje, who received a vote of confidence from the NEC, outlined the party’s achievements under his leadership, pointing to ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving internal party conflicts. He specifically mentioned the upcoming governorship elections in Anambra and Osun states as the party’s immediate focus, emphasizing that preparations for the primaries were already underway.
While Ganduje acknowledged the party’s successes, he also highlighted significant financial challenges, revealing that the APC had inherited nearly N9 billion in debts, mostly related to legal disputes from past elections. The National Legal Adviser has been working to reduce this debt burden, though Ganduje urged the NEC to consider intervening to help resolve the situation.
A notable point in the meeting was Tinubu’s approval of the relocation of the party’s national secretariat, which he stated had become too cramped. “The current secretariat is too small for us,” he said, adding that the APC had formally applied to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for land to build a new, larger facility that would accommodate the party’s expanding operations, including its Progressive Institute.
Despite these measures, the meeting was overshadowed by the absence of some high-profile party members. Party spokesperson Felix Morka downplayed concerns over the no-shows, suggesting that 100% attendance is unrealistic for such meetings. He explained that the event had been scheduled based on the President’s availability, and more members had been invited than in previous NEC gatherings.
Morka also addressed the issue of leadership in the party, specifically responding to criticisms from Malam Nasir el-Rufai. El-Rufai, a former governor and minister, has been outspoken in his discontent with the current leadership and the direction of the APC. Morka responded by urging el-Rufai to respect his stature as a former key player in Nigerian politics. “Grievance-driven comments are not to be taken seriously,” Morka remarked, adding that although el-Rufai is a respected figure, he is “just one person” within the party, and his ongoing criticisms should be addressed with caution.
The party’s decision to zone the national chairmanship seat to the North-West was also formalized during the meeting, resolving long-standing agitations from party members in the North-Central zone who had objected to Ganduje’s appointment. Morka emphasized that this decision had put to rest any disputes regarding the leadership structure.
In summary, the APC’s NEC meeting highlighted both the successes and challenges facing the party under Tinubu’s leadership. While the President’s efforts to foster unity and address grievances were clear, the absence of key figures and the ongoing internal conflicts suggest that the road to cohesion within the APC remains fraught with difficulty. As the party looks ahead to critical elections in Anambra and Osun, it remains to be seen whether the promises of reconciliation will translate into tangible unity or whether internal rifts will continue to disrupt the APC’s progress.
Reference
Tinubu Appeals to Aggrieved APC Members as Key Leaders Absence Marks NEC Meeting