Tinubu’s absence forces APC to postpone NEC meeting to 2025

There are increasing signs that the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Abdullahi Ganduje, may postpone its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting until 2025.

Sources at the APC Secretariat, speaking with Punch, cited President Bola Tinubu’s busy schedule and ongoing absence from Nigeria as key factors behind the likely delay.

An insider revealed, “As of now, Mr. President has not returned to the country. This is the same reason we canceled the September dates for the NEC meeting. With just two months left in the year, holding the meeting in 2024 is no longer feasible, especially with the festive period in December. It may happen in 2025, but 2024 is off the table.”

These concerns follow the APC’s announcement two months ago that it would indefinitely postpone its National Caucus and NEC meetings, which were initially set for September 11 and 12.

Although no official reason was given for the postponement, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka assured that a new date would be announced later.

However, insiders have suggested that both meetings were canceled due to Tinubu’s absence.

When contacted, Nze Chidi Duru, the APC’s National Deputy Organising Secretary, confirmed that no new date had been set, stating, “We have not been informed of any new date. As of now, the postponement remains.”

Similarly, Abdulkareem Kana, the APC’s National Legal Adviser, added, “We don’t know when the next NEC meeting will be held. A new date hasn’t been confirmed yet. We’re waiting for the President’s return to move forward.”