APC governors meet behind closed doors ahead of NEC session at villa

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) met behind closed doors on Wednesday as the party steps up consultations ahead of Thursday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The meeting was held at the Abuja lodge of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

Uzodimma hosted his colleagues in what insiders describe as a strategic alignment session ahead of Thursday’s high-stakes gathering at the Presidential Villa.

Among the early arrivals were Babagana Zulum of Borno, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Monday Okpebholo of Edo.

Others in attendance included Bassey Otu (Cross River), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Uba Sani (Kaduna).

Although the agenda was not made public, sources say the discussions may have focused on choosing a consensus candidate to replace Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as national chairman.

Ganduje recently stepped down from the role, citing health reasons.

The meeting is seen as part of efforts by the governors to build consensus and close ranks ahead of the wider party deliberation.