Key stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the North Central region have threatened to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s administration if the region is denied the national chairmanship position during the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) election.
This development follows President Tinubu’s approval of the NEC and National Caucus meetings, scheduled for September 11 and 12.
According to a source from Daily Trust, the President has been made aware of the potential consequences of leaving the party’s leadership position vacant. However, the source also noted that President Tinubu continues to support the current acting National Chairman, Umar Ganduje.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) expressed concerns that any delay in filling the leadership position could create a legal void, which opponents might exploit in court to challenge Ganduje’s role. As a result, the President agreed to the NEC meeting and a December convention, reiterating his support for Ganduje during discussions with party leaders,” the source stated.
However, North Central stakeholders have warned that any attempt to overlook the region’s claim to the national chairmanship will be met with strong opposition.
Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, leader of the North Central APC Forum and a former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, emphasized that the region is prepared to consult with other political parties if their demands are not met.
“If the NEC meeting does not produce favorable outcomes for our region, we will immediately begin consultations to take decisive action. We cannot remain in a party where we are marginalized,” Zazzaga asserted.
“Part of our strategy may involve supporting any leader or platform that prioritizes the interests of the North Central region. We urge President Tinubu to respect the zoning arrangement that facilitated his ascent to power and ensure that the APC chairmanship remains within the North Central.”
Similarly, Ibrahim Muhammad Rabiu, National Chairman of the North Central Reality Movement (NRCM), a pressure group within the APC, warned that the party could face internal strife if the region is denied the national chairmanship position.
“If the leadership issue isn’t resolved in favor of the North Central, it will trigger an internal crisis. While many party members may publicly express loyalty to President Tinubu, they will work behind the scenes to undermine the party’s agenda if they feel marginalized,” Rabiu told Daily Trust.
The recent resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former national chairman of the APC and ex-governor of Nasarawa State, amid intense pressure, has heightened tensions within the party as the NEC meeting approaches.
