Governors on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified moves to shape the outcome of the party’s March 2026 national convention.
Insiders described the development as a high-stakes struggle for control of the National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations reveal that governors from Delta, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Enugu, Bayelsa, Plateau, Taraba, Ondo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, among others, have commenced strategic consultations to influence who emerges into key national offices.
For many of them, control of the NWC is considered crucial to securing political interests and strengthening their leverage ahead of party primaries expected mid-year.
The current NWC was inaugurated in March 2022 at Eagle Square, Abuja, and its four-year tenure — as provided under Article 17(1) of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended) — expires next month.
Although party officers are eligible for re-election, a senior chieftain noted that while the constitution permits it, “it may not be practically feasible” in the present political climate.
Amid the manoeuvring, the party’s National Chairman, Prof Yilwatda Nentawe, indicated that the APC might adopt consensus in electing new NWC members.
Speaking through his media aide, Abimbola Tooki, he stated: “Consensus arrangements are usually the first option of the APC, before it settles for an open contest,” adding that leaders at all levels would be carried along.
Despite this position, intense state-level battles are unfolding.
In Delta State, Mr. Felix Morka’s position as NWC representative is said to be under threat following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to the APC and his rift with former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who originally nominated Morka.
In Edo, Governor Monday Okpebholo is reportedly working to install a loyalist, a move that could dilute the longstanding influence of former national chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Kogi State remains a flashpoint, with James Abiodun Faleke, a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, reportedly at odds with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo over control of party structures.
In Plateau, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is locked in a leadership tussle with Senator Simon Lalong, while in Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno must contend with a party structure widely loyal to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
SOURCE: THE SUN