Convention : Drama as APC removes Uzodimma as committee chair, names Wike’s ally, others as new members

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday surprised political observers with a major shake-up in the leadership of its convention planning committee.

In a development that has heightened anticipation within the ruling party, the APC replaced Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma with former Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee.

Masari’s appointment came just days after Uzodimma had been presented as chairman of the key preparatory committee for the party’s March 27–28, 2026 convention.

The decision is seen as significant in the build-up to the party’s March 27 and 28, 2026 national convention.

In a statement signed by the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, on Friday, the party said the committee was reconstituted following “further consultations with its leadership and national stakeholders”.

Observers say the move signals a forceful restructuring of party organs ahead of the 2026 congresses and the 2027 general elections.

Under the new arrangement, Uzodimma has been reassigned to serve as Treasurer of the committee.

The party also increased the size of the committee from 73 to 90 members, bringing in additional chieftains such as Senator Barry Mpigi – an ally of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other senior party figures.

With the revised structure, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, will serve as Vice Chairman I, while Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, takes the role of Vice Chairman II.

The abrupt change in the committee’s leadership has introduced fresh intrigue into the APC’s convention plans.

Meanwhile, the party has extended its nationwide electronic membership registration exercise to February 8, 2026, as part of efforts to broaden its support base and update its membership records.

Ward congresses are now fixed for February 18, with local government, state, zonal and national convention activities outlined in a revised timetable.