2027: Intrigues as APC replaces Uzodimma as convention chair

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday shocked political observers with a major reshuffle of its convention leadership, replacing 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 barely days after Uzodimma was unveiled as chairman of the powerful body saddled with overseeing preparations for the party’s March 27–28, 2026 national convention, an exercise widely regarded as pivotal to the APC’s build-up to the 2027 general election.

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

In a statement by the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party said the committee was reconstituted after “further consultations with the party’s leadership and national stakeholders.”

The APC also expanded the committee’s membership from 73 to 90, bringing in additional party heavyweights, including Senator Barry Mpigi and other senior figures.

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, was named Vice Chairman I, while Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was listed to serve as Vice Chairman II.

The sudden leadership change has injected a fresh layer of intrigue into the party’s convention preparations.

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

Ward congresses are now slated for February 18, followed by local government, state, zonal and national-level congresses, in line with a revised timetable.

Party leaders say these steps are designed to strengthen internal democracy, renew leadership structures and position the APC for success in the 2027 general elections.

Analysts also view the expansion of the committee as a move to accommodate broader zoning considerations and stakeholder interests within the party.

They note that the coming weeks will test the APC’s ability to manage high-stakes internal contests and maintain unity, as opposition parties grapple with their own organisational challenges ahead of 2027.