Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo and chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) has confirmed that consultations are ongoing to select a new national chairman for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This followed the resignation of the former chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Mr Uzodimma disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with APC governors in Abuja.

“It would be premature for anyone to speculate at this point. Consultations are still ongoing,” he said.

Peoples Gazette had reported that Mr Ganduje was forced to resign his position ahead of the planned defection of a former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the ruling party. However, Mr Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, cited health concerns when he announced his resignation on June 27. 

He was elected as the sixth national chairman of the party on August 3, 2023.

Since Mr Ganduje’s departure, Ali Dalori has been serving in an acting capacity as national chairman.

Mr Uzodimma explained that the process for appointing a substantive replacement would be guided by the APC constitution and would ultimately be decided by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

He noted that the governors’ meeting was part of preparations for the upcoming NEC meeting of the APC.

“This meeting was part of our regular consultations among governors and key stakeholders aimed at strengthening the party’s programmes and ensuring effective governance as the ruling party,” Mr Uzodimma said.

He added that the governors also planned to meet with the president ahead of the NEC session.

“Tomorrow by 2:00 p.m., the NEC of our great party will convene to discuss matters crucial to the future of the APC and, more importantly, how best to serve Nigerians,” the governor said.

Mr Uzodimma expressed satisfaction with the reforms initiated by the president, noting that the party is focused on ensuring that the benefits of those reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.

“We are optimistic that these reforms will yield lasting prosperity for the country, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.

(NAN)