Fresh facts have emerged regarding why the All Progressives Congress (APC) removed Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, from his position as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, appointing former Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, in his place.
Several senior officials of the APC informed Sunday PUNCH that this leadership change was driven by the need to accommodate and show respect to the ‘old leaders’ of the party.
The APC convention is set for March 27 and 28, 2026.
In a statement released by its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, on Friday, the party announced the reorganization of the Central Coordination Committee, naming Masari as the new chairman and former Senate President, Pius Anyim, as Vice Chairman I.
Uzodimma, previously announced as the chairman of the 73-member committee, has been reassigned to the role of treasurer in the new structure.
In response to inquiries from Sunday PUNCH, APC officials indicated that the decision to alter the committee’s leadership stemmed from zoning considerations and the desire to provide a sense of belonging to the party’s veteran leaders.
A current member of the National Working Committee of the APC stated that Masari and Anyim represent the party’s old guard and were deemed suitable to lead the convention committee.
“The party leadership felt that the old leaders should be afforded the respect of holding the Chairmanship position. That is why they chose Alhaji Masari and also Senator Pius Anyim. They are experienced members of the party and, for now, are not pursuing political office. Thus, they may be more impartial in applying their experience in these roles.
“The change in the convention committee leadership has nothing to do with any grievances against Governor Uzodimma, contrary to rumors. That is why he was appointed treasurer of the committee. He will still play a significant role in the convention, particularly as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” said the NWC member, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak on the matter.
Another senior party leader explained that the APC utilized the ‘zoning card’ in selecting the new convention chairman.
He noted that since President Tinubu hails from the South, it would be fitting to have a northern APC leader as the convention chairman.
“When you examine the composition of the committee, it is all-encompassing. In addition to the governors, we have all the principal officers of both chambers of the National Assembly, as well as former presiding officers who belong to the party. It also includes all former national chairmen who are still active within the party,” the official commented.
He emphasized that the committee was inclusive to foster a sense of belonging for the party’s stakeholders.
“The committee also includes other key functionaries from the Federal Executive Council, such as the Ministers of Defence, Interior, Works, among others.
“The convention will likely be centered around consensus for the emergence of the National Working Committee. The congress process is already well underway; forms have been purchased, and we anticipate a smooth and peaceful convention,” he added.
When asked about the rationale behind the reconstitution of the committee, the APC National Secretary, Basiru, stated that he could not comment on the matter.
He said, “I have nothing to say about that.”
