The NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party in between conventions – the statutory highest decision making body.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted the National Caucus at the State House Conference Centre, Aso Villa last night.
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The National Caucus, made up of elders of the party is an advisory organ, which sets the tone for NEC meetings.
The NEC meeting will be presided over by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
This NEC meeting was preceded by grumblings from some major players in the party, such as former governors Mallam Nasir El-Rufai(Kaduna) and Dr. Kayode Fayemi(Ekiti). They complained about the long time it took to call the meeting.
The duo, also criticised the administration of President Tinubu.
The NEC meeting is made up of the National Caucus, NWC and state chairmen of the party.
During the last NEC meeting, it was resolved that the former chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, should resign.
A source said the meeting was convened to review the progress made by the party in almost two years.
He said: “APC is fulfilling a constitutional requirement for holding the NEC meeting, and majorly, the purpose is to review the progress made by the party in the last two years when it started consolidating on previous achievements as the ruling party.
“Among issues slated for debate is maintaining the existing unity, harmony and cohesion in our party.
“The on-going reconciliation in some state chapters would also be reviewed as part of the broader agenda for fostering unity and understanding in the fold.
“Inclusivity for new members, those who defected from other parties, will also be discussed
“Also, electioneering is knocking, with preparations commencing from the off-season governorship poll in Anambra State in November, and preparations for governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states next year.
“Between last years and this month, APC has enlarged its coast and defections to the ruling party has led to the challenge of harmonisation of structures, and accommodation of new members.”
The NEC meeting is also expected to get update on litigations involving the party, either at the national or state levels; the activities of standing committees and the Progressive Institute.
The source added that the President was also expected to explain to the highest organ certain activities of government that are germane to the realisation of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
At last night’s Caucus meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Ganduje.
Ganduje was accompanied by nine other NWC members – the deputy national chairmen (North and South), national secretary, legal adviser, treasurer, organising secretary, woman leader, youth leader, and leader of persons living with disability.
Also at the meeting were APC governors led by Hope Uzodimma of Imo State. Uzodimma is chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum. They were Governors Babajide Sanwoolu (Lagos ), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto),Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Bago (Niger) and Biodun Oyebanji(Ekiti).
Also at the meeting were former Governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Silva; Senator Abdulaziz Yari; former governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al makura; Senator Aliyu Wammako, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; former APC Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande; Senator Iyiola Omisore; Chief Olusegun Osoba; Senator Lola Ashiru; former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara; former Governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade; and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim.
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APC stronger, more united, says Uzodinma
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is strong and united as the dominant party in the country, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodinma, said yesterday.
He told reporters at the State House, Abuja, after the National Caucus meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu that the ruling party is focused and supportive of the Federal Government government.
The governor added that the ruling party would continue to outshine its rivals.
“Our party is united, stronger, focused, and fully behind the government. Despite the challenges of governance, the party is doing so well, and we need to celebrate our own. The APC is the party to beat and the envy of other political parties, not only in Nigeria,but across Africa”, he said.
Nzodinma emphasized the party’s unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in implementing critical reforms.
Noting the economic hardship that has accompanied these changes, he said the benefits are gradually emerging.
“We are not unaware of the hardship associated with the various reforms going on, but gradually, the dividends are beginning to manifest. We are now better off in terms of revenue generation, with more resources available for infrastructure, social programs, and economic growth”, Uzodinma added.
The governor also praised President Tinubu’s handling of national security, particularly in the Southeast, where relative peace has been restored.
“If you recall, three years ago, it was almost impossible to visit any part of the Southeast for any function, even for burials.
“People were being buried in townships instead of their villages, and marriages were not held in rural areas. But now, with the way this government has managed insecurity, farmers have returned to their farms, and people can move freely again”, he said.
On internal democracy, Uzodinma dismissed allegations that the APC is a “one-man show,” insisting that its structure allows for broad participation at all levels.
He said the consistent electoral victory of APC is a testament to its democratic processes and growing popularity among Nigerians.
“Why are we winning all these elections? It is because we have demonstrated high capacity and respect for democracy.” he added.
The Nation
