Fresh details have emerged on why the All Progressives Congress removed Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee and replaced him with former Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari.
Some senior officials of the APC said the adjustment in leadership was driven by the need to recognise and accommodate the party’s ‘old leaders.’
The APC national convention is slated for March 27 and 28, 2026.
In a statement released on Friday by the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, the party confirmed the changes in the central coordination committee, naming Masari as the new chairman and former Senate President, Pius Anyim, as Vice Chairman I.
Uzodimma, who had only weeks earlier been unveiled as chairman of the 73-member committee, was moved to the position of treasurer under the new arrangement.
When contacted, APC officials explained that the leadership review was influenced by zoning considerations and the need to give a sense of inclusion to longstanding party figures.
A serving member of the National Working Committee of the APC said Masari and Anyim were regarded as experienced party elders and suitable to head the convention committee.
“The leadership of the party felt that the old leaders should be accorded the respect of holding the chairmanship position. That was why they settled for Alhaji Masari and also Senator Pius Anyim. They are experienced hands of the party and, for now, are not seeking political office. So, they may be more even-handed in bringing their experience to bear in those positions.
“The convention committee leadership change has nothing to do with whether somebody has something against Governor Uzodimma, contrary to speculations. That is why he was chosen as the treasurer of the committee. He will still play a very prominent role in the convention, particularly as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” said the NWC member, who does not want to be identified because he was not authoritised to speak on the matter.
Another senior party figure stated that the APC relied on zoning considerations in choosing the new convention chairman.
He noted that with President Tinubu coming from the South, it was fitting to have a northern APC leader head the convention.
“When you also look at the composition of the committee, it is all-embracing. Aside from the governors, we have all the principal officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly, as well as former presiding officers who are members of the party. It also has all the former national chairmen who are still within the party,” the official said.
He added that the committee’s structure was designed to give various stakeholders a sense of belonging.
“The committee also has some other key functionaries from the Federal Executive Council, like the Ministers of Defence, Interior, Works and others.
“The convention is likely going to be built around consensus for the emergence of the National Working Committee. The process for the congress is already in top gear. People have been buying forms, and we expect to have a rancour-free convention,” he added.
When asked about the reason for the committee’s reconstitution, the APC National Secretary, Basiru, declined to comment.
(PUNCH)
Post A Comment: