2027: APC Surprises by Replacing Uzodimma as Chair of Convention Committee

The All Progressives Congress (APC) astonished political analysts on Friday with a significant reshuffling of its convention leadership.

In a surprising move that has heightened anticipation within the ruling party’s internal timeline, the APC has appointed Aminu Bello Masari, the former governor of Katsina State, in place of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee.

Masari's appointment comes just days after Uzodimma was introduced as the head of this critical preparatory body for the party's convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026.

This change has been interpreted as a pivotal development ahead of the upcoming national convention.

A statement issued by the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, indicated that the committee was restructured following “further consultations with its leadership and national stakeholders.”

Observers have deemed the decision an assertive overhaul of the party’s internal organization in preparation for the 2026 congresses leading to the 2027 general elections.

Under this new arrangement, Uzodimma has been reassigned to the role of Treasurer of the committee.

Additionally, the party expanded the committee's membership from 73 to 90, bringing in prominent party voices including Senator Barry Mpigi and other senior figures.

The revised structure appoints former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim as Vice Chairman I, and Kwara State Governor along with Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as Vice Chairman II.

This unexpected change in committee leadership has added a new element of intrigue to the APC’s preparations for the convention.

This year, the party has extended its nationwide electronic membership registration period to February 8, 2026, as part of broader efforts to grow its membership base and maintain an updated registry.

Ward congresses are set to take place on February 18, with local government, state, zonal, and subsequently, national convention events clarified in a revised schedule.

These ongoing preparations are seen as part of the APC’s commitment to strengthening internal democracy and enhancing organizational capability in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

The leadership of the party has publicly stressed the necessity of orderly congresses as a way to rejuvenate party leadership structures and prepare for the upcoming electoral cycle.

Moreover, the inclusion of additional party members in the enlarged committee is viewed as an attempt to embody broader zoning considerations and stakeholder interests within the APC’s structure.

Political analysts assert that the forthcoming days will reveal how responsive the party is to the critical nature of intra-party elections and the need for unity, especially as opposition parties contend with their own internal challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.