9am News report that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for July 24 in Abuja, where a final decision will be made on whether Deputy Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori will continue as acting national chairman until the party’s national convention or if a new substantive leader will be appointed.
The update was confirmed by APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter after the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held on Monday in Abuja.
The development follows the resignation of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down as national chairman on health grounds after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. By the party’s constitution, Dalori was immediately endorsed by the NWC to act as interim chairman.
Speaking with journalists, Fuanter explained that while Dalori has assumed the acting role, the NEC holds the ultimate power to ratify the endorsement or nominate a new candidate.
“As you know, the NEC is the apex decision-making body of our party,” he said. “Whatever the NWC does, including the endorsement of the acting chairman, must be ratified by the NEC. If they wish to nominate someone new, we’ll accept it and then wait for the national convention for a final decision.”
The suggested venue for the NEC meeting remains the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
By-Elections and Congresses Also on the Agenda
Beyond leadership issues, the ruling party is also preparing for upcoming by-elections to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly and state assemblies due to deaths or resignations. Fuanter revealed that plans are in top gear to ensure victory for APC candidates in these polls.
He added that the NWC also deliberated on upcoming congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels, promising to announce detailed schedules soon.
At the start of the NWC meeting, Dalori highlighted the importance of revitalising the party’s internal structures, deepening democracy, and reconnecting with grassroots supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.
“My appointment is not a personal victory. It is a huge responsibility to strengthen our party, deliver good governance, and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is already addressing key national challenges,” Dalori said.
He urged party members to avoid actions that could breed disunity, especially during leadership transitions.
Ganduje’s Resignation Formally Accepted
APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru confirmed he formally presented Ganduje’s resignation letter to the NWC, which was duly accepted in line with Article 14 of the party’s constitution.
As the countdown to July 24 begins, all eyes will be on the NEC meeting, which will shape the APC’s leadership structure heading into a critical phase for Nigeria’s ruling party.
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