Nigeria’s two leading political parties the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set for high-stakes National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings this week, marking the beginning of intense political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP kicks off a series of leadership meetings today, culminating in its 101st NEC session on Friday, where the date for the party’s national convention will be confirmed. The convention is expected to usher in a new crop of national officers tasked with steering the party through its primaries and the 2027 polls.
Ahead of the NEC meeting, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) will meet between today and Thursday to address internal disputes particularly the controversy surrounding the position of National Secretary. While a court ruling has affirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu in the role, internal opposition lingers.
A party insider hinted that much of the current discord will likely be resolved at the convention once new leadership emerges.
However, the PDP faces further strain from ongoing defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raising concerns about the party’s cohesion. Tensions escalated in Osun State, where Governor Ademola Adeleke recently endorsed President Bola Tinubu of the APC for re-election in 2027, despite affirming his loyalty to the PDP.
“Our party in Osun has also endorsed President Tinubu for re-election in 2027, recognising him as a proud son of our state,” Adeleke posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
This endorsement comes after several high-profile exits, including four-time House of Representatives member Oluwole Oke, and public support for Tinubu from all three PDP senators representing Osun.
The PDP’s NEC meeting on Friday will be presided over by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and preceded by a caucus meeting tonight at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro.
Meanwhile, the APC is also intensifying its internal preparations. Its national caucus will meet today, followed by its NEC session on Wednesday, where the ratification of a new National Chairman tops the agenda. This follows the resignation of Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje on health grounds on June 27, with Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, currently acting in his place.
Also expected at the NEC is the ratification of members of the party’s standing committees and the release of a timetable for upcoming ward congresses and the national convention. The NWC met on Monday to finalise the meeting’s agenda.
“Mr. President and other leaders of the party and all NEC members have been invited, and the meeting will surely produce a substantive National Chairman that will replace Dr. Ganduje,” a member of the NWC disclosed.
However, internal debate continues over the zoning of the chairmanship. While Ganduje hails from the Northwest succeeding Northcentral’s Abdullahi Adamu in 2023 the Northcentral bloc is now pushing to reclaim the post. Still, the Northwest remains adamant about retaining it.
Today’s caucus meeting, alongside a planned joint session with APC state chairmen, is expected to harmonize the party’s stance ahead of the NEC.
Expected at the APC meeting are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, APC governors, state Assembly Speakers, and state party chairmen.
As both parties gear up to strengthen internal structures and recalibrate leadership strategies, tensions continue to mount. The PDP is battling defections and internal distrust, while the APC moves to consolidate power and reposition ahead of its national convention.
With just over two years until the 2027 general elections, Nigeria’s political terrain is already heating up, setting the stage for a long and turbulent build-up.
