APC NEC Meeting: Tinubu Seeks Reconciliation As Buhari, Osinbajo, Amaechi, El-Rufai Absent

Key APC Leaders Absent as Tinubu Calls for Unity

ABUJA – The much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was held at the Buhari House APC National Secretariat in Abuja, marking the first NEC session since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023. The meeting was chaired by APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu. However, several top figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, were notably absent.

Despite their absence, key political figures attended the gathering, such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu. Several state governors, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, were also in attendance.

Tinubu’s Appeal and Economic Outlook

Addressing the NEC, President Tinubu reassured members of his commitment to the party’s progressive vision. He acknowledged economic challenges but emphasized that efforts to stabilize food prices, especially during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, were yielding results. Tinubu also approved the establishment of reconciliation committees across states to address grievances among party members and announced plans to relocate the APC national secretariat due to space constraints.

“We are strengthening national security and ensuring food security. I appreciate the electoral successes we have achieved and pledge to sustain these progressive changes,” Tinubu stated. He also mentioned that economic difficulties were not unique to Nigeria, citing similar challenges in European nations.

APC’s Electoral Strategy and Reconciliation Efforts

APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, received a vote of confidence from the NEC and highlighted the party’s strategic focus on upcoming elections in Anambra and Osun states. He confirmed that preparations for the APC primaries in Anambra, scheduled for April, were already underway.

Ganduje emphasized the party’s ongoing reconciliation initiatives, which he said were beginning to yield positive results. “Through dialogue, we have engaged party leaders and stakeholders to resolve long-standing disputes. The soon-to-be-approved conflict reconciliation committee will build upon these efforts,” he added.

Financial Burdens and Party Secretariat Expansion Plans

During the session, Ganduje revealed that the APC had inherited legal debts totaling N8.98 billion from pre-election and election-related court cases. He urged the NEC to intervene in resolving financial constraints and disclosed that some party accounts had been restricted due to ongoing legal battles.

On the party’s infrastructure, Ganduje mentioned that the current national secretariat was inadequate for APC’s growing needs. “To accommodate our expanding operations, we have formally requested land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for a new national headquarters and the Progressives Institute,” he explained, appealing for President Tinubu’s support to expedite the process.

Explaining the Absence of APC Leaders

Felix Morka, APC’s spokesperson, addressed concerns about the absence of some NEC members, downplaying the issue by noting that full attendance was never guaranteed in such meetings. He emphasized that all NEC members had been invited, with an expanded guest list compared to previous meetings.

“Meetings are scheduled based on the president’s availability, and invitations were sent to all NEC members. While attendance was not 100%, participation was substantial,” Morka stated.

El-Rufai Criticized Over Remarks on APC Leadership

Responding to recent comments from Nasir el-Rufai, Morka criticized the former governor for his public grievances regarding the party’s internal operations. He noted that all APC organs were fully functional and dismissed el-Rufai’s remarks as personal grievances rather than valid criticisms.

“El-Rufai is a respected political figure, but his statements should reflect the dignity of his status. If he continues making public remarks, people have the right to respond accordingly,” Morka asserted.

APC Official Website