Barring any last-minute change of strategy, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have finalised arrangements to strengthen the party’s leadership structure and introduce reforms within the Presidency.
Sources familiar with the development told The Guardian that aside from the offices of the National Chairman and Vice Chairman, all other positions in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are to be rotated across the six geopolitical zones to ensure wider representation.
The move, according to party insiders, is aimed at accommodating the interests of governors who recently defected to the party and consolidating internal cohesion ahead of the forthcoming congresses and national convention.
It was also gathered that despite recent public assurances by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the party and the Presidency are reviewing aspects of the presidential ticket arrangement and information management structure at the Presidential Villa.
While details of the proposed changes remain under wraps, sources said the review is part of broader efforts to reposition the administration and align party strategy with emerging political realities.
This is as the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), chaired by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, declared its readiness to work closely with the APC national leadership to provide responsible leadership communication and collective discipline.
The governors said this would strengthen public confidence in the party’s democratic processes.
In a communiqué issued after its extraordinary meeting, the PGF reaffirmed its “commitment to deepening internal democracy, strengthening party structures, and advancing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within the APC across all levels of the federation.”
The forum also reviewed and endorsed the proposed timetable and operational framework for the forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses and the National Convention, earlier approved by the party’s National Executive Committee.
The governors stressed the importance of transparent and coordinated financial management in the conduct of congresses and conventions, noting that such measures are critical to ensuring fairness and accountability across all states, including those not governed by the APC.
They also disclosed plans to commence strategic engagements and state visits, beginning with Taraba State, to reinforce grassroots structures and party cohesion.
However, checks by The Guardian revealed that discussions on swapping NWC positions among the geopolitical zones have been deferred pending President Tinubu’s return from his official visit to Türkiye.
A member of the APC National Working Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the zoning adjustments were left for the President’s final input.
According to the source, the party is considering the possibility of the presidential running mate slot moving to the North-West, while the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) may go to the North-East.
“These likely movements made it imperative that Mr President, who insisted that Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda should remain as National Chairman, applies his political wisdom in redistributing other positions in collaboration with the governors,” the source said.
“It is only when the President returns that we will know which positions will be swapped between the North and South and their micro-zones. The party wants to ensure seamless harmonisation of positions with recently defected governors,” he added.
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