Crisis looms in APC over tenure extension for Ganduje, other NWC members

The moves by the Presidency to extend the tenure of national officers in the All Progressives Congress (APC) is fueling discomfort among key power blocs in the party.

The decision, reportedly aimed at maintaining control ahead of the 2027 elections and ensuring a smooth re-election bid for President Bola Tinubu, is causing tension within the party.

Sources indicate that a plan is underway to extend the tenure of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, beyond the next general election.

A similar arrangement may apply to state chapter leaders to prevent fresh elections that could lead to internal disputes and court cases.

The proposal was allegedly part of discussions at the APC national caucus meeting before the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February.

Following the NEC meeting, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced a vote of confidence in the Ganduje-led NWC, reinforcing the plan for tenure elongation.

Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru assumed office as national chairman and secretary, respectively, in August 2023, after the removal of Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore.

However, according to Article 17(1) of the APC Constitution, national officers are to serve a four-year term, raising concerns about the legality of any extension.

First-Term Governors Unhappy

The decision to extend the tenure of party officials is reportedly causing friction with first-term APC governors.

These governors, eager to install their loyalists at both the state and national levels, are displeased with the Presidency’s plan, which appears to favor their predecessors’ allies.

Controversy Over Automatic Tickets

Beyond tenure extension, another contentious issue is the plan to grant automatic tickets to federal lawmakers who defected to the APC from other parties.

Reports indicates that some lawmakers secured assurances of re-election from the Presidency before officially joining the ruling party.

Among those who have defected are Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Imo East) and Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), alongside House of Representatives members Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu and Salman Idris.

While these lawmakers see their automatic tickets as guaranteed, other party members vying for the same positions are quietly expressing frustration over what they perceive as imposition of candidates.

With discomfort brewing over these moves, the APC may face internal crises as the 2027 elections approach.