The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party?s second-highest decision-making body, yesterday ratified the zoning of its national chairmanship slot to the North West.

The party?s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed this to journalists after the NEC meeting held at the party?s national secretariat in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, governors, former national chairmen and other party leaders.

Daily Trust reports that the party had initially zoned the position to the North Central, leading to the emergence of Abdullahi Adamu, a former governor of Nasarawa State, as national chairman.

However, after Adamu?s abrupt exit before completing his tenure, President Tinubu endorsed Abdullahi Ganduje from the North West to fill the vacancy

The move sparked legal battles and protests from North Central stakeholders, who argued that Adamu?s replacement should have come from their region. Protests also erupted at the APC secretariat, with demonstrators demanding Ganduje?s resignation.

However, with NEC?s approval of the chairmanship slot for the North West, Ganduje?s leadership has now been further legitimised.

Speaking further, Morka announced that NEC passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu for what he described as the ?significant milestones? achieved so far by his administration.

?NEC also passed a vote of confidence in our National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for the remarkable successes he has led the party to. That vote of confidence was extended to the entire National Working Committee (NWC),? Morka stated.

He added that NEC ratified the zoning of the chairmanship position and deliberated on a motion to co-opt more members into the party?s NEC.

Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, who chairs the Progressive Governors? Forum (PGF), moved the motion for the vote of confidence in Tinubu, which was seconded by former APC national chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Buhari, Osinbajo, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Others absent

Several prominent APC figures were, however, absent from yesterday?s NEC meeting in Abuja.

Reacting to this, Morka insisted that invitations were sent to all NEC members.

However, Daily Trust reports that notable absentees included former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai and former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi.

Also missing were former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, who resigned under controversial circumstances in 2023.

El-Rufai?s recent criticism of the APC has fuelled speculation that he may align with another political party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amaechi, Osinbajo, and Lawan, had contested the party?s 2023 presidential primary but lost to Tinubu.

When asked about the absentees, Morka said, ?I have never known the attendance of our NEC or national caucus meetings to be 100 per cent.?

He added, ?But be rest assured that all members were invited. We had more members at this NEC meeting than the last one.?

Tinubu calls for reconciliation, proposes relocation of secretariat

In his address, President Tinubu urged aggrieved members to remain calm and called for reconciliation efforts across the states.

?The NWC is doing a good job, and I am happy with them. In all the various states, let us set up reconciliation committees to engage with aggrieved leaders. I am appealing to them, please be calm. I am very happy and promise not to let any of you down,? Tinubu said.

He also vowed to sustain the ?progressive changes? his administration has introduced and urged governors and party members to support his government.

President Tinubu also raised concerns over the lack of adequate space at the APC national secretariat, located at No. 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

?The place we are gathering today (Wednesday) is too small for us, and I agree that we need a bigger location,? he said.

Addressing the issue, Tinubu said, ?I think the minister of National and Economic Planning is here. We will discuss with the minister in charge and do something about it.?

Buni to head committee on NEC membership

Morka also announced that NEC had set up a committee, chaired by Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, to establish criteria for co-opting new members into the NEC.

Additionally, he disclosed that NEC had approved the party?s financial statement, as presented by the NWC.

Ganduje: I Inherited N8.9bn debt

In his address, APC National Chairman, Alh. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, revealed that he inherited an N8.9 billion debt upon assuming office on August 3, 2023.

?The current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities amounting to N8,987,874,663 from various legal engagements,? Ganduje told NEC members.

He added that the party?s National Legal Adviser, Prof. Abdul Kareem Kana (SAN), was working to reduce the debt burden and appealed to NEC for intervention. (Daily Trust)

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