(DDM) – Fresh political intrigue has followed the All Progressives Congress after the party replaced Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as chairman of its National Convention Central Coordination Committee, naming former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari to lead the body instead.
The decision has stirred debate within party circles because Uzodimma previously headed the committee and remains a prominent APC governor.
Party insiders say leaders made the change to satisfy zoning arrangements and to honor senior figures who no longer seek elective positions.
The APC announced the reshuffle in an official statement signed by National Secretary Ajibola Basiru.
The statement confirmed Masari as chairman and listed former Senate President Pius Anyim as Vice Chairman I of the committee.
The party reassigned Uzodimma to serve as treasurer of the same committee.
Sources inside the National Working Committee insist leaders did not punish Uzodimma.
They argue that the party simply recalibrated positions to reflect experience, geography, and internal balance.
One senior official explained that veteran politicians who are not chasing offices can supervise the process more neutrally.
He said the party wanted respected elders to occupy sensitive roles ahead of the national convention.
He added that Masari and Anyim bring long records of party service and administrative experience.
Another party figure linked the decision to regional considerations within Nigeria’s power-sharing culture.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu comes from the South, which influenced the push for a northern chairman.
Zoning remains a powerful, though unofficial, tool in Nigerian party politics.
Major parties often rotate leadership roles to calm regional tensions and maintain loyalty.
Analysts say such balancing acts aim to prevent internal fractures before major conventions.
The APC prepares for its national convention scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2026.
The convention will help determine the party’s organizational direction before future elections.
Delegates will also shape the next National Working Committee.
Party members have already begun purchasing nomination forms for various positions.
Officials say they expect a consensus-driven and peaceful gathering.
They publicly project unity despite private negotiations among blocs.
Uzodimma still holds influence as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.
That role keeps him at the center of coordination among APC governors nationwide.
Observers note that governors often shape delegate behavior at conventions.
Some political watchers believe the reassignment preserves Uzodimma’s relevance while reducing controversy.
Others see it as a strategic compromise among competing interests.
The APC has faced internal contests before major meetings in the past.
Those contests sometimes reflected rival ambitions and regional loyalties.
The party leadership often resolves disputes through negotiation rather than open conflict.
When journalists asked Basiru to explain Uzodimma’s removal, he declined detailed comment.
His brief response added to speculation among political followers.
Political analysts say silence sometimes signals delicate internal talks.
They expect more clarity as the convention approaches.
For now, the reshuffle highlights how Nigerian parties constantly juggle loyalty, zoning, and experience.
It also shows how internal decisions can trigger public debate even without open disputes.
Many party supporters ultimately judge success by whether the convention runs smoothly.
If consensus holds, the controversy may fade quickly.
If disagreements grow, the leadership may face tougher negotiations ahead.
