The succession race for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially got underway yesterday, with several prominent politicians emerging as early contenders. Among them are former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura; former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye; former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; Senator Solomon Ewuga; and Senator Sani Musa.
Also strongly tipped for the position is the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief George Akume.
All the leading aspirants, so far, hail from the North Central region, which has mounted a vigorous campaign for the chairmanship since the exit of Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu in 2023.
Party sources also revealed that Senator Abu Ibrahim from Katsina in the North West may join the race.
On Monday night, some media outlets erroneously reported that Akume had already been appointed to the position, only to take down the reports shortly after.
The Presidency swiftly denied the reports.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that “there has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
He added that President Tinubu, who is currently in Saint Lucia, “has not made any new appointments,” and described the reports of Akume’s supposed appointment as “fake news” propagated by “agents of mischief.”
The APC national chairmanship became vacant on Friday following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
In reaction, two North Central-based groups intensified agitation for the position to be returned to the zone.
One of them, the States Youth Leaders’ Forum of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), advocated for zoning the position to the North Central, specifically Nasarawa State, which previously produced Adamu.
The North-Central APC Forum also echoed the demand, arguing that it was time for the zone to reclaim the office in the interest of justice and equity.
Prince Sani Ogu Salisu, Coordinating Chairman of the CPC Youth Leaders’ Forum, stated that “by giving the North Central Zone the opportunity to lead, the APC would be reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and regional representation, which are critical for maintaining party harmony and achieving electoral victories.”
He described Senator Al-Makura as the most suitable candidate for the role, adding, “Senator Al-Makura’s appointment would not only honor the zoning principle but would also be a strategic move to ensure party cohesion and victory in 2027.”
For its part, the North-Central APC Forum argued that although the national chairmanship was originally zoned to the North Central, it was unjustly reassigned to Ganduje from the North West, in clear violation of the party’s internal arrangements.
Forum Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, said the party now has a chance to correct this “longstanding injustice” and urged President Tinubu to direct the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, to immediately convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to elect a substantive replacement from the region.
He recalled that in 2023, the Forum suspended its opposition to Ganduje’s appointment in the interest of party unity, despite taking legal action to challenge the decision.
“The resignation has presented a golden opportunity for the party to do the right thing — for fairness, justice, and equity. The North Central played a pivotal role in the 2023 elections and deserves to be recognized,” Zazzaga stated.
He emphasized that the North Central delivered 11,760,993 votes (41.3%) to President Tinubu — the third-highest nationally — and controls five of the six states in the region: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger.
The Forum also pointed out that the zone boasts numerous qualified individuals capable of leading the APC to greater success in 2027.
“This is not merely a sentimental demand. The North Central has capable hands that can lead the APC to victory. Returning the chairmanship to the zone will ensure stability and consolidate the party’s progress,” it said.
The Forum commended Ganduje for his achievements during his tenure, including attracting high-profile defections and leading the APC to significant electoral victories.
“Under Ganduje’s leadership, the APC welcomed several defectors, including governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives. His leadership also helped the party win key opposition-held states such as Edo,” the group noted.
Chief George Akume has had a distinguished political career since 1999, having served as a two-term governor of Benue State, a senator, and a minister in the Buhari administration.
Senator Al-Makura also served two terms as Governor of Nasarawa State before his election to the Senate.
Senator Sani Musa, who currently represents Niger East, chairs the Senate Committee on Finance and played a key role in the recent consideration of the tax reform bills.
Senator Abu Ibrahim, a former Deputy Minority Chief Whip (2011–2015), was instrumental in the merger talks that birthed the APC.
Following Ganduje’s resignation on Friday, the party appointed Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, as Acting National Chairman, pending the NEC’s election of a substantive chair.
Ganduje formally handed over to Dalori yesterday in Abuja.
Although the APC has said a substantive chairman will be elected soon, the party constitution mandates a minimum of 14 days’ notice before any NEC meeting can be convened for such a purpose.
Article 25.2 of the APC Constitution states that the NEC “shall meet every quarter and or at any time decided by the National Working Committee or at the request made in writing by one-third of the members of the National Executive Committee, provided that not less than fourteen (14) days’ notice is given for the meeting.
However, it adds that the NWC may summon an emergency NEC meeting at any time “provided that at least three (3) days’ notice of the meeting shall be given to all persons entitled to attend.
