The presidency’s move to extend the tenure of national officers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is causing discontent among influential party stakeholders, raising concerns about internal democracy as the 2027 general elections approach.
Sources within the party revealed that the presidency is working to ensure a smooth re-election process for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by maintaining control over the party’s leadership. Central to this strategy is extending the tenure of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, beyond the next general election.
Plans for Tenure Extension
Insiders disclosed that the proposal for tenure extension was discussed during the national caucus meeting preceding the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February. Following the meeting, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka announced a vote of confidence in the Ganduje-led NWC, signaling official party support for the extension.
If implemented, the plan will also extend the terms of state chapter leaders, eliminating the need for fresh elections. This move is seen as a way to prevent legal challenges and internal divisions that could arise from leadership contests at the national and state levels.
Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru assumed their positions as national chairman and secretary in August 2023, following the removal of Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore during a NEC meeting. Adamu and Omisore were initially elected in March 2022 at the APC National Convention in Abuja.
Constitutional Concerns and Stakeholder Reactions
The proposed extension raises questions about the legality of bypassing the APC Constitution. According to Article 17(1) of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended), party officers are to serve a four-year term, with the option of re-election or reappointment for another four years.
The article explicitly states:
“Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, all officers of the Party elected or appointed into the Party’s organs shall serve in such organs for a period of four (4) years and shall be eligible for re-election or reappointment for another period of four (4) years only.”
Some party stakeholders argue that the proposed extension could lead to legal battles and further factionalism.
First-term governors within the APC are reportedly among those opposed to the plan, expressing frustration over the continued dominance of their predecessors’ loyalists. These governors are eager to install their own supporters in key party positions but face resistance due to the presidency’s influence.
Automatic Tickets for Defectors Spark Controversy
Adding to the tension is the issue of automatic tickets for federal lawmakers who recently defected to the APC. Reports suggest that several senators and House of Representatives members were promised automatic re-election tickets by the presidency before switching parties.
Among the beneficiaries are Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Imo East) and Ned Nwoko (Delta North) in the Senate. In the House of Representatives, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of PDP chieftain James Ibori, and Salman Idris (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency) also reportedly secured similar deals.
While these lawmakers benefit from the arrangement, other APC members eyeing the same positions have raised concerns that the presidency’s intervention undermines internal democracy and could stifle fair competition.
A Brewing Power Struggle
The presidency’s bid to consolidate power within the APC reflects broader efforts to maintain party cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the growing discontent among governors and grassroots members suggests a brewing power struggle that could affect the party’s unity.
As the APC navigates these internal dynamics, how the party leadership addresses the concerns of its members while pushing forward with its political strategy may shape its electoral fortunes in the coming years.
