APC NEC set to confirm Ganduje, Basiru as national chairman, secretary

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to endorse the nominations of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the national chairman and Senator Ajibola Basiru as the national secretary of the party.

According to The Nation, the decision comes after both were selected by consensus, following the departure of the former chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and the secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore who both resigned.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to confirm the date of the NEC meeting at the request of the National Working Committee (NWC).

During a meeting at the Imo State Lodge in Abuja, the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, officially endorsed Ganduje and Basiru. Subsequently, governors and other party leaders, including members of the National Caucus, held a separate meeting with the nominated candidates.

Before the new chairman and secretary assume office, the decisions made during these meetings will be communicated to the NEC by the National Caucus, which includes President Tinubu.

To ensure a smooth transition and continuity, the NWC, NEC, and governors reached an agreement to maintain the existing zoning formula for the party leadership composition.

Although the ratification of the two nominees is expected to take place during the national convention, the APC constitution grants the NEC the authority to act on behalf of the convention in emergencies.

Article 13(ii) of the APC constitution states that the national convention holds the final authority of the party, with powers to ratify policies and programs and elect or remove national officers. However, the NEC can also carry out these functions in between national conventions, as specified in Article 13.3 A (ii).

Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has served as the governor of Kano State twice and as the deputy governor of the state on two occasions.

On the other hand, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who holds a doctorate degree in Law, previously served as Commissioner for Special Duties and later as Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice in Osun State. He was also the spokesman of the Senate after being elected into the 9th Senate from Osun Central District in 2019.