Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Hope Uzodimma, the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, were among those who arrived early for the meeting, which took place in the presidential banquet hall of the Aso Rock Villa.
Prior to the NEC meeting, Tinubu was able to inform the APC governors of his stance during the meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting took place at the State House Conference Centre just hours before the APC NEC meeting, which was set for Thursday at 2:00 pm.
Originally, the party’s national secretariat in Abuja was to host the NEC meeting.
The appointment of a permanent APC National Chairman to succeed Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned last month due to health concerns, is one among the topics covered.
Since then, Ali Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman, has served as the party’s acting National Chairman.
Some, on the other hand, support Ali Dalori staying on as the party’s acting chairman until a genuine elective convention is held to select new members of the National Working Committee.
The North-Central zone’s leaders have complained of being marginalized; therefore, the NEC may also opt to move the post back there.
The top candidates from the North Central area, according to some sources, are Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura.
The agenda for today’s meeting is anticipated to include, among other things, party congresses, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and an examination of the party’s finances and 2027 election schedule.
The APC had five previous chairmen prior to Ganduje: Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Chief John Oyegun (2014–2018), Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).
The NEC has the right to designate the National Chairman and form a Caretaker Committee, among other things, according to Article 13.3 of the 2022 APC Constitution amendment.