Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) has confirmed that consultations are ongoing to select a new National Chairman for Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday following a closed-door meeting with fellow APC governors, Uzodimma stated that the selection process was being guided by the party’s constitution and would be decided by the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
“It would be premature for anyone to speculate at this point. Consultations are still ongoing,” he said.
The move follows the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down from the chairmanship of the party on 27 June, citing health concerns. Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, was elected as the APC’s sixth national chairman on 3 August 2023.
In the interim, Ali Dalori has been acting as the party’s national chairman.
Uzodimma said Wednesday’s governors’ meeting formed part of preparations for the NEC session scheduled for Thursday, where the nomination and possible ratification of a new party leader is expected to top the agenda.
“This meeting was part of our regular consultations among governors and key stakeholders aimed at strengthening the party’s programmes and ensuring effective governance as the ruling party,” he said.
The governors are also expected to meet with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the NEC gathering.
“Tomorrow by 2 p.m., the NEC of our great party will convene to discuss matters crucial to the future of the APC and, more importantly, how best to serve Nigerians,” Uzodimma added.
He praised the economic reforms initiated by the President, expressing confidence that their impact would be felt at the grassroots level.
“We are optimistic that these reforms will yield lasting prosperity for the country, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.
