New details have emerged on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) replaced Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, appointing former Katsina State governor Aminu Masari in his place.
According to senior party officials, the change was driven by the need to accommodate and show respect to the party’s senior leaders ahead of the convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026.
In a statement, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru announced Masari as the new chairman and former Senate President Pius Anyim as Vice Chairman I. Uzodimma, previously named chairman of the 73-member committee, was reassigned as treasurer.
A party source explained, “The leadership felt that old leaders should be accorded the respect of holding the chairmanship. Masari and Anyim are experienced hands and not currently seeking political office, making them suitable to bring even-handed leadership to the convention committee.”
The source added that the reshuffle had nothing to do with personal issues against Uzodimma, who remains influential as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and will play a key role in the convention.
Another APC leader noted that zoning considerations also influenced the decision, pointing out that with President Tinubu from the South, it was appropriate to have a northern leader as convention chairman.
He further explained that the committee is all-encompassing, including governors, principal officers of the National Assembly, former presiding officers, and former national chairmen, alongside key ministers such as Defence, Interior, and Works.
“The convention is expected to be built around consensus for the emergence of the National Working Committee. The process is already underway, and we expect a rancour-free convention,” he said.
When contacted, Basiru declined to comment on the committee’s reconstitution.
