APC NEC Meeting: Tinubu Appeals for Unity Amid Absence of Top Party Leaders

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7 hours ago

By MUHAMMED DANBABA

ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress (APC) held its much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, with President Bola Tinubu making a strong appeal for unity among party members. However, the absence of several high-profile party leaders, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, raised concerns about internal party cohesion.

During the NEC meeting, held at Buhari House, the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Tinubu reassured members of his commitment to addressing grievances, urging all factions to remain united. He also promised continued economic reforms, noting that food prices were beginning to decline as Nigeria approached the Ramadan season.

Tinubu Calls for Calm Among Aggrieved APC Leaders

President Tinubu, who received a vote of confidence from the NEC, acknowledged tensions within the party and called for reconciliation.

“I have heard the concerns raised by our members and leaders. I appeal to all aggrieved party members to be calm. We are working tirelessly to address the challenges facing Nigerians. Let us find a way to celebrate our progressive ideals together,” Tinubu stated.

To strengthen party unity, the president approved the formation of reconciliation committees across all states.

Key APC Figures Missing from Crucial NEC Meeting

The absence of several top APC leaders at the meeting was notable. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom have publicly criticized the party’s leadership, did not attend.

Former President Buhari and his deputy, Osinbajo, were also absent. However, key figures present included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Minister of Budget and National Planning Abubakar Bagudu.

Governors from multiple states, including Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Benue, Ekiti, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Yobe, participated in the meeting, reaffirming their commitment to the party’s leadership.

APC’s Plans for Anambra and Osun Elections

APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, emphasized the party’s focus on winning the upcoming governorship elections in Anambra and Osun states.

“Our preparations for the Anambra primary elections are in full gear. We are confident in our strategies to secure victory,” Ganduje said.

The party has also intensified reconciliation efforts to mend internal disputes ahead of the elections.

Party Approves New Secretariat Location

During the NEC meeting, Tinubu acknowledged that the current party headquarters had become inadequate. He approved plans for a new APC secretariat and Progressive Institute, with the party formally applying for land through the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

“The current location is too small for us. We need a more spacious and befitting party headquarters,” Tinubu stated.

Ganduje Faces Party Debt Challenges

Ganduje revealed that the party inherited debts amounting to N8.98 billion, mainly from legal battles tied to pre-election disputes, election petitions, and appeals.

“Our legal team is actively working to reduce this debt burden through dialogue and alternative dispute resolution methods. However, we still seek the NEC’s support in addressing these financial challenges,” Ganduje explained.

He also mentioned that some party accounts had been garnisheed due to unresolved legal cases.

APC Responds to el-Rufai’s Criticism

In response to Nasir el-Rufai’s recent criticism of the APC’s leadership, APC spokesperson Felix Morka dismissed the former governor’s remarks as grievance-driven.

“Former Governor el-Rufai is entitled to his opinions, but the party remains united and functional. It is important for respected leaders to engage in constructive discourse rather than focusing on personal grievances,” Morka stated.

He also reiterated that the party’s organs were fully operational and that decisions were made collectively, not based on individual sentiments.

Conclusion

The APC NEC meeting reinforced President Tinubu’s commitment to party unity, economic progress, and upcoming electoral victories. While internal disputes remain a challenge, the party leadership is focused on reconciliation and strengthening its base ahead of key elections.

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