Fresh details have emerged on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) removed Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, replacing him with former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari.
Party insiders disclosed that the decision was driven largely by zoning considerations and a strategic move to accommodate and honour “old leaders” of the ruling party ahead of its national convention scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2026.
The leadership shake-up was formally announced on Friday in a statement issued by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru. According to the statement, Masari was named Chairman of the committee, while former Senate President, Pius Anyim, emerged as Vice Chairman I.
Uzodimma, who had only weeks earlier been unveiled as chairman of the 73-member committee, was reassigned to the position of treasurer under the new arrangement.
Responding to enquiries, senior party officials maintained that the change was not punitive but strategic. A serving member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) explained that the party opted for Masari and Anyim because they symbolise the party’s old guard and are not currently seeking elective office.
“The leadership of the party felt that the old leaders should be accorded the respect of holding the chairmanship position,” the official said. “Alhaji Masari and Senator Pius Anyim are experienced hands and, for now, are not pursuing political ambitions. That gives them the moral authority and balance required to manage a sensitive process like the convention.”
The NWC member dismissed speculations of internal conflict involving Uzodimma, stressing that his reassignment underscored the confidence reposed in him by the party.
“This decision has nothing to do with any grievance against Governor Uzodimma. That is why he remains the treasurer of the committee and will continue to play a prominent role, especially as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” the official added.
Another high-ranking APC leader revealed that zoning also played a decisive role in the reconstitution of the committee’s leadership.
“With President Bola Tinubu from the South, it was considered appropriate to have a northern leader chair the convention,” he said.
The source further noted that the committee’s composition reflects the party’s desire for inclusiveness, drawing members from across the political spectrum within the APC.
“The committee includes sitting governors, principal officers of the National Assembly, former presiding officers, past national chairmen of the party, and key ministers from the Federal Executive Council, including Defence, Interior and Works. The idea is to give all stakeholders a sense of belonging,” he explained.
According to him, the party is working towards a largely consensus-driven convention to ensure the smooth emergence of a new National Working Committee.
“The process is already in top gear. Forms are being purchased, and we are optimistic that the convention will be rancour-free,” he said.
When contacted for comments on the reasons behind the committee’s reconstitution, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru declined to elaborate.
“I have nothing to say about that,” he said tersely.
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