A noticeable absence of key founding members and former political officeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja has fueled speculation over internal rifts within the ruling party.
Among those absent were former President Muhammadu Buhari, his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as well as former governors such as Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti). Others missing included former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, former Speaker and current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and several other heavyweight party members.
As statutory members of the NEC, their absence raised eyebrows, with many speculating it may be linked to their recent critical stances on the party and the administration.
Despite the notable absences, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election chances received a significant boost as members in attendance overwhelmingly endorsed him with chants of “no vacancy at Aso Rock.” The atmosphere at the party’s national secretariat was charged with support for Tinubu, as attendees sang the APC anthem “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” upon his arrival.
Smiling throughout the endorsement, Tinubu made no effort to stop the chants, further solidifying speculation that he may seek a second term in 2027.
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In his speech, APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, disclosed that the party inherited a staggering N8.987 billion in legal liabilities, stemming from election-related litigation at various levels.
“As part of the commitment to secure and own a national secretariat complex befitting of a ruling party, we have formally applied for land at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA),” Ganduje said, appealing for President
