As the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unfolded, the ruling party found itself at the center of intense speculation and political intrigue. While rumors had suggested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might move to replace the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the meeting provided a starkly different reality—one that solidified Ganduje’s leadership rather than undermined it.
Amidst the swirling narratives of internal rifts and leadership struggles, President Tinubu used the occasion to deliver a resounding vote of confidence in Ganduje, quelling any doubts about his continued tenure. "The APC remains a party of structure, discipline, and vision. Under the leadership of Dr. Ganduje, we have seen strategic growth, and there is no need for a change," the President reportedly stated, putting an end to speculation about a shake-up in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Ganduje's Fate: A Power Play or Stability Strategy?
Prior to the NEC meeting, whispers of a plot to remove Ganduje had gained traction, fueled by his political challenges, particularly in his home state of Kano. Since assuming the chairmanship in August 2023, Ganduje has faced mounting pressure, including corruption allegations from his tenure as governor and the APC’s electoral losses in Kano State. These factors made him a target for those seeking a leadership realignment within the party.
However, Tinubu’s firm endorsement sent a strong message: the APC under his leadership values stability over unnecessary disruptions. Sources within the meeting revealed that the President’s declaration was not just symbolic but a strategic move to ensure party cohesion ahead of critical electoral battles. A senior party chieftain noted, "With this reaffirmation, there is no vacancy in the NWC. Anyone nursing ambitions should wait for the appropriate time because this party is not run on sentiments but on strategy and loyalty."
This stance effectively neutralized any potential opposition, reinforcing Ganduje’s authority and signaling that the President is in full control of the party’s internal politics.
El-Rufai’s Absence: Political Calculations or Marginalization?
While the NEC meeting focused on consolidating party leadership, one notable absence raised eyebrows—former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. His decision to skip the high-profile gathering, citing a lack of formal invitation and prior commitments in Egypt, added another layer of intrigue to the event.
El-Rufai, once a key power broker within the APC, has found himself increasingly sidelined in recent months. His failed ministerial nomination, which was torpedoed by security concerns raised in the Senate, marked a significant political setback. His decision to publicly state that he wasn’t invited to the NEC meeting raises questions about whether he is being deliberately kept at arm’s length by the party’s leadership.
Observers argue that his absence may not be as innocent as he portrayed it. Given his history of playing hardball politics, some believe El-Rufai’s move was a strategic maneuver—either to avoid endorsing Ganduje’s leadership or to distance himself from current party dynamics as he recalibrates his political future.
Buhari’s Absence: A Silence That Speaks Volumes
In addition to El-Rufai’s absence, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s conspicuous no-show at the NEC meeting also captured attention. Although Buhari had been expected to attend the meeting in his capacity as an elder statesman and influential figure within the APC, his absence was not explained by the party. This left many questioning the dynamics of the party’s leadership structure.
Buhari’s absence at the meeting is particularly striking given his integral role in the APC’s success and his position as a mentor to many within the party. Some party insiders have speculated that Buhari may be distancing himself from certain party activities, either due to personal reasons or dissatisfaction with the current direction under Tinubu’s leadership.
In the realm of Nigerian politics, where every public appearance or absence carries weight, Buhari’s decision not to attend the meeting could be interpreted as a subtle signal of his position in the ongoing power play within the APC. Whether this will affect the party’s cohesion or influence the 2027 elections is still uncertain, but it certainly adds to the complex dynamics of the ruling party.
A Show of Strength for Tinubu’s Leadership
Beyond the personalities involved, the NEC meeting was also a broader test of President Tinubu’s grip on the APC. By firmly backing Ganduje, the President demonstrated that he is in full control of the party’s direction and is unwilling to entertain distractions that could weaken his administration.
The meeting also served as a crucial strategy session, with discussions revolving around the upcoming elections, governance policies, and the re-registration of party members. Tinubu’s endorsement of Ganduje ensures that the APC leadership remains stable, allowing the party to focus on delivering its campaign promises without internal upheavals.
The Road Ahead: Stability or Brewing Resentment?
While Tinubu’s intervention has reinforced Ganduje’s position for now, political dynamics are always in flux. Factions within the party that may have hoped for a leadership change will likely bide their time, waiting for another opportunity to push their agenda. Moreover, figures like El-Rufai, who seem to be on the fringes, may seek alternative strategies to reassert their influence in national politics.
For now, the APC remains firmly under Tinubu’s control, with Ganduje at the helm of its NWC. Whether this unity will hold in the long run, especially as the 2027 elections approach, remains to be seen. One thing is clear: in the game of power and strategy, no position is ever truly permanent.