By John Moses
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 party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This follows the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down from the position on 27 June, citing health-related reasons.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with fellow APC governors in Abuja, Uzodimma said that the process of appointing a substantive chairman would strictly follow the party’s constitution and procedures, culminating in a decision by the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
“It would be premature for anyone to speculate at this point. Consultations are still ongoing,” Uzodimma stated.
Since Ganduje’s departure, Ali Dalori has been serving as acting national chairman of the party. Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, was elected as APC’s sixth national chairman on 3 August 2023.
Uzodimma noted that Wednesday’s meeting of governors formed part of broader preparations for the NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, where key party leadership issues, including the selection of a new chairman, are expected to be discussed.
“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 explained.
The governors also plan to meet with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the NEC session.
“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 further commended President Tinubu’s reform efforts, expressing optimism that they would lead to tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly at the grassroots level.
“We are optimistic that these reforms will yield lasting prosperity for the country,” he said.
