By John Umeh
Amid rising tension and speculation within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the National Executive Committee (NEC) convened in Abuja this week for a high-stakes meeting attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The agenda focused squarely on the contentious issues of zoning arrangements and the selection of a new national chairman—two matters that could significantly reshape the party’s structure ahead of the next political cycle.
The meeting, which drew governors, party chieftains, national officers, and top stakeholders, was held behind closed doors at the APC national secretariat. However, sources close to the talks say that the atmosphere was charged with lobbying, regional demands, and power negotiations as the party seeks to maintain unity while managing internal ambitions.
At the heart of the debate is the question of zoning—the informal political arrangement used to distribute key positions among Nigeria’s geo-political zones. With the resignation of the former chairman and the need to fill other strategic roles, various regions are now demanding representation, complicating the party’s effort to maintain cohesion.
Some party leaders from the North have insisted that the next national chairman should come from their region to maintain the balance following Tinubu’s emergence from the South-West. Meanwhile, voices from the South-East and South-South argue that they have long been marginalized in APC’s leadership structure and should be considered for the top seat.
President Tinubu, according to insiders, appealed for patience, discipline, and consensus among party leaders. He urged NEC members to prioritize party unity above regional or personal interests, emphasizing that internal wrangling must not derail the APC’s governance agenda or electoral prospects.
“The party must not allow internal disagreements to become public conflicts,” Tinubu reportedly said. “Let us negotiate, let us reason, and let us reach agreements that strengthen our common purpose.”
No final decision on zoning or the new chairman was announced at the end of the meeting, heightening the suspense surrounding the party’s next move. A follow-up session is expected in the coming weeks, with a zoning committee likely to be established to make recommendations.
Political analysts believe the outcome of these deliberations could significantly influence the APC’s chances in future elections, especially as the opposition parties begin to regroup. How Tinubu balances the demands of loyalists, regional blocs, and party elders may ultimately determine the long-term stability of his administration and the cohesion of the ruling party.
For now, uncertainty looms—but all eyes remain on the President and the APC NEC as the party navigates this delicate political crossroads.
