The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is planning to ask the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to step down. This was made known by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, in an exclusive interview with PUNCH on Monday.
Speaking on the matter, Basiru described the speculation as false, stating that the NEC meeting is a routine gathering and not an elective session. He explained that the meeting, which had been delayed since September last year, would focus on party matters, including financial reports and upcoming projects for 2025.
He said, “There is nothing like that. The NEC is a routine meeting and not an elective one. We have been trying to have it since September last year. But now, it is confirmed we will have a national caucus on Tuesday and an NEC on Wednesday.
“Basically, the agenda is to consider the project of the party for 2025 and also the financial statements as required under the electoral law.
“We will also give reports about the re-registration of members of the party that will commence very soon and then brief the leadership about the Progressive Institute that has been established by the party as an intellectual and ideological arm of the party.”
Meanwhile, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has confirmed that he will not attend the NEC meeting. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, El-Rufai revealed that he had not received proper notification and had prior travel plans to Egypt.
“Unfortunately, I will not be. I will be on my way back to Cairo where I spend most of my time. I didn’t get adequate notice. The constitution of our party requires 21 days, I think, or 14 days’ notice for this kind of national organ meeting. I don’t think that notice has been given. If it has been, I have not received the invitation two weeks to three weeks ago. So I have my plans, and I’m leaving tomorrow. But many of my friends will attend, so I will not miss anything. I will get to know what was discussed,” El-Rufai stated.
