The All Progressives Congress (APC) has replaced Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma with former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee.
Uzodimma, who was initially appointed chairman, has been reassigned as Treasurer.
Former Senate President Pius Anyim has been named Vice Chairman I, while Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is Vice Chairman II.
Meanwhile, APC officials explained that the leadership review was influenced by zoning considerations and the need to give a sense of inclusion to longstanding party figures.
A serving member of the National Working Committee of the APC according to PUNCH, said Masari and Anyim were regarded as experienced party elders and suitable to head the convention committee.
“The leadership of the party felt that the old leaders should be accorded the respect of holding the chairmanship position. That was why they settled for Alhaji Masari and also Senator Pius Anyim. They are experienced hands of the party and, for now, are not seeking political office. So, they may be more even-handed in bringing their experience to bear in those positions.
“The convention committee leadership change has nothing to do with whether somebody has something against Governor Uzodimma, contrary to speculations. That is why he was chosen as the treasurer of the committee. He will still play a very prominent role in the convention, particularly as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” said the NWC member, who does not want to be identified because he was not authoritised to speak on the matter.
Also, another senior party figure stated that the APC relied on zoning considerations in choosing the new convention chairman.
He noted that with President Tinubu coming from the South, it was necessary to have a northern APC leader head the convention.
“When you also look at the composition of the committee, it is all-embracing. Aside from the governors, we have all the principal officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly, as well as former presiding officers who are members of the party. It also has all the former national chairmen who are still within the party,” the official said.
He added that the committee’s structure was designed to give various stakeholders a sense of belonging.
“The committee also has some other key functionaries from the Federal Executive Council, like the Ministers of Defence, Interior, Works and others.
“The convention is likely going to be built around consensus for the emergence of the National Working Committee. The process for the congress is already in top gear. People have been buying forms, and we expect to have a rancour-free convention,” he added.
The APC national convention is scheduled for March 27-28, 2026.
