The Northcentral geopolitical zone appears set to reclaim the National Chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party prepares for a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today. The development follows intense lobbying and strategic consultations among key stakeholders within the party.

The chairmanship position was initially zoned to the Northcentral and held by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, under whose leadership the APC secured victory in the 2023 presidential election. However, Adamu’s resignation in August 2023 paved the way for former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, from the Northwest, to assume the role.

With Ganduje stepping down on June 27 due to health concerns, the push by Northcentral leaders to reclaim the position has gained renewed momentum. Sources familiar with recent internal deliberations indicate that consensus has largely been reached on returning the seat to the zone.

Top on the shortlist for the position is the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. A former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State and the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Plateau State, Prof. Yilwatda is widely viewed as a leading contender, although no official confirmation has been made.

Speaking to the press after a meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma confirmed that the governors had gathered to deliberate on the upcoming NEC meeting and other internal matters. “The party only advertised the NEC meeting,” he said, offering limited details on the party’s leadership discussions.

With high expectations surrounding today’s meeting, all eyes are on the outcome, which may see Northcentral officially return to the party’s top leadership position.