A replacement for former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, may be picked on July 24 during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, it was learnt yesterday.

The decision to hold a meeting on that day was taken at yesterday’s emergency National Working Committee (NWC) meeting at the party secretariat in Abuja.

The meeting was presided over by Acting National Chairman, Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori, who has taken following Friday’s shock resignation by Ganduje.

The former Kano State governor resigned less than two years in the saddle.

Ganduje said he left the job with immediate effect to enable him attend to his heath.

Dalori said while in-charge, attention will be given to party discipline, reconciliation, communication, member mobilisation, and broader stakeholder engagement.

The acting chairman, who was Deputy National Chairman (North), assured party leaders and members of his readiness to serve, promising to ensure the unity and progress.

He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor and promised to steer the party with transparency and a deep sense of purpose.

He eulogised Ganduje, saying he provided experienced leadership, steadfast commitment, and a clear sense of direction.

“On behalf of the entire APC family, I express our heartfelt gratitude to him and wish him full recovery and strength as he focuses on his health and personal well-being,” he said.

“It is a responsibility I embrace with full awareness of the challenges ahead and the expectations of millions of our members and supporters across the nation.

“As someone who has served faithfully within this party and as a longstanding member of the NWC, I assure you of my dedication to carrying out this role with transparency, inclusiveness, and unity of purpose,” he said.

Appreciating his colleagues in NWC for their loyalty and support, he stressed the need for the committee to work together as partners in the collective task of safeguarding the party’s unity, discipline, and direction.

Dalori said: “This is a period for consolidation, not conflict. For maturity, not division, and for vision, not personal ambition.

“We must keep our eyes on the bigger picture: delivering good governance to the Nigerian people, deepening democracy within our party structures, and preparing for the future with clarity and determination.

“As we head toward 2027, we must begin now to strengthen our internal processes, reconnect with our grassroots, and re-energise our structures across all levels.”

The acting chairman reaffirmed the NWC’s unwavering support for the bold reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a campaign slogan; it is a living roadmap that is already addressing fundamental challenges in our economy, security, and national cohesion.

“The APC remains the political vehicle to drive this transformation, and we will stand by the president in full loyalty and partnership.

“To all party members and stakeholders, I urge us to stay united.

“Political transitions often create uncertainty, but we must not allow it to breed disunity.

“We must avoid actions and words that divide us and focus on what binds us — our shared belief in the promise of Nigeria and the future of the APC…

“I appeal to each and every one of you—let us renew our commitment to the APC. Let us work together with sincerity, courage, and faith in our mission.”

“Let us honour the past, serve the present, and prepare for a brighter future—as one united and determined APC family.”

In attendance were the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter; National Vice Chairman (Southsouth), Victor Giadom; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Isaacs Kekemeke; National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Arugungu; National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu; National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel and National Leader Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Are Tolu Bankole.

Others were Deputy Women Leader, Zainab Ibrahim; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Durometer Meseko; National Treasurer, Matthew Oguru; National Auditor, Senator Mohammed Maikafi; National Vice Chairman (Northwest), Mohammed Datti; National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwapa; National Legal Adviser, Prof. Abdulkadir Kana; National Vice Chairman (Northcentral), Muazu Bawa Rijau; National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile; and National Vice Chairman (Northeast), Dr. Salihu Mustapha. (The Nation)