Tinubu, APC governors meet ahead of NEC meeting

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday evening met behind closed doors with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

The talks began at 7 pm in the Presidential Banquet Hall in the Aso Rock Villa, after Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo—chair of the Progressive Governors’ Forum—led his counterparts into the villa.

Online spectators spotted Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu and Ekiti’s Biodun Oyebanji among the early arrivals.

It comes hours before the APC’s National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 2:00 pm Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the State House Conference Centre.

It was learned that President Tinubu will brief the APC Governors on his position ahead of Thursday’s NEC meeting, where the party may name a substantive APC National Chairman to replace Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned last month citing health reasons.

The NEC may also decide whether to return the post to the North‑Central zone, whose leaders have complained of marginalisation.

Thursday’s meeting is also expected to review the party’s finances and 2027 election timetable.

Overview of the Meeting

The report centers on a closed-door meeting between Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The meeting took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja just hours before a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) session of the party.

This timing is important it shows the meeting was strategic and preparatory, not ceremonial.

Purpose of the Meeting

The primary aim was to align positions and strategies ahead of the NEC meeting. According to reports, discussions focused on:

• Strengthening the party structure
• Reviewing internal party issues
• Preparing decisions for the NEC session

Key Issues on the Table

One major issue expected to dominate the NEC meeting was party leadership, especially the possible appointment of a new national chairman following the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje.

There were also indications that the party might:

• Address zoning concerns (especially from the North-Central region)
• Review party finances
• Discuss preparations for future elections, including 2027

Who Was Involved

The meeting included members of the Progressive Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Other notable governors like Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Biodun Oyebanji were also present.

Their presence highlights that this was a high-level intra-party consultation involving key power brokers.

Political Significance (Analysis)

This meeting reflects how Nigerian party politics often works:

• Decisions are largely negotiated behind closed doors before formal announcements
• Governors play a major influence role in shaping party direction
• The president acts as both national leader and party strategist

In essence, the meeting was about consolidating power, preventing internal conflict, and ensuring unity before major decisions are made publicly.

Conclusion

The report is not just a routine political update it signals important internal maneuvering within the ruling party. The outcome of such meetings often determines leadership changes, party stability, and even electoral strategies.