Fresh details have emerged on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) dropped Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, as Chairman of the party’s National Convention Central Coordination Committee, replacing him with former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari.
The leadership shake-up, announced on Friday, was reportedly triggered by zoning considerations and the need to honour senior party leaders, sources within the APC.
The APC, in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, unveiled Masari as the new chairman of the powerful committee, while former Senate President, Pius Anyim, was named Vice Chairman I.
Uzodimma, who was earlier announced as chair of the 73-member committee, was reassigned as treasurer, a move insiders insist was not punitive.
A senior member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) said the changes were necessary to reflect party balance and respect elders who are not seeking active elective office.
The source told Sunday Punch, “The leadership of the party felt that the old leaders should be accorded the respect of holding the chairmanship position. That was why they settled for Alhaji Masari and also Senator Pius Anyim.
“They are experienced hands of the party and, for now, are not seeking political office. So, they may be more even-handed in bringing their experience to bear in those positions.”
He clarified that Governor Uzodimma’s removal was not due to internal party rifts.
“The change has nothing to do with whether somebody has something against Governor Uzodimma. That is why he was chosen as the treasurer of the committee. He will still play a very prominent role, particularly as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” he added.
Another senior party official disclosed that the party opted to balance regional interests, especially with President Bola Tinubu hailing from the South.
“Since President Tinubu is from the South, it was considered appropriate to have a northern APC leader as chairman of the convention committee,” the source explained.
He noted that the reconstituted committee includes governors, principal officers of the National Assembly, former national chairmen, and key cabinet members, ensuring broad party representation.
“The committee is all-inclusive to give a sense of belonging to all stakeholders. It also has Ministers of Defence, Interior, Works, and others from the Federal Executive Council,” he said.
Preparations are already in high gear for the APC National Convention, scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2026. According to party sources, the emergence of a new National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to be largely based on consensus.
“People have started buying forms, and we expect to have a rancour-free convention,” the official stated.
When contacted on the reason for Uzodinma’s replacement, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, declined to comment.
“I have nothing to say about that,” he simply told Sunday Punch.
