By Hagxy Don
In a significant gathering that underscored the ruling party’s commitment to strategic planning, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday, February 25, 2025. This was the first caucus meeting held under his leadership since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
The high-stakes meeting, which commenced at 7:22 p.m., brought together the party’s most influential figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. Also in attendance were former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, among other senior stakeholders.
Key Issues Discussed
The meeting, described as crucial for the party’s direction, focused on several pivotal issues shaping the APC's future:
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Non-Elective Convention
One of the central topics was the scheduling of a non-elective convention. Party leaders emphasized the need to hold this convention in line with the APC constitution, which mandates periodic meetings to consolidate party structures and address pressing organizational matters. -
Formation of Standing Committees
The caucus extensively discussed the establishment of standing committees aimed at strengthening party administration, policy implementation, and strategic engagement across the country. This move is seen as a necessary step in reinforcing internal democracy and party cohesion. -
The Progressive Institute (TPI)
A presentation was made on the establishment of The Progressive Institute (TPI), an initiative designed to advance the party’s ideological framework and policy direction. TPI is expected to serve as a think tank that will train party members, formulate governance strategies, and help propagate the party’s core values across Nigeria. -
Membership E-Registration
Recognizing the importance of a modernized membership system, the caucus deliberated on implementing an electronic membership registration exercise. This initiative aims to streamline party membership records, ensure transparency, and foster inclusivity, particularly among the youth and grassroots supporters. -
Legal Affairs and Litigations
The National Legal Adviser presented a comprehensive report on ongoing litigations involving the party. The report covered internal disputes, legal challenges from opposition parties, and strategies to strengthen the APC’s legal standing. Party leaders emphasized the need for a proactive legal approach to protect the party’s interests and maintain its electoral dominance.
Looking Ahead: APC NEC Meeting
The outcomes of the caucus meeting will shape the agenda for the APC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 26, 2025, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The NEC meeting is expected to ratify key decisions taken during the caucus session, set new policy directions, and further solidify party structures ahead of the upcoming elections.
Political Implications
This meeting comes at a critical time when the APC is positioning itself for future elections and governance reforms. With internal stability being a key focus, the resolutions from this gathering signal the party’s readiness to address internal challenges, strengthen its base, and consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The presence of top political figures and former party leaders highlights the importance of unity within the APC. Analysts suggest that these strategic meetings are part of a broader effort to ensure the party remains Nigeria’s dominant political force despite growing opposition and economic challenges facing the nation.
As the APC National Executive Council meeting convenes, all eyes will be on the decisions that emerge from it, particularly regarding party administration, electoral strategy, and governance reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership.