APC Appoints Governor Hope Uzodimma as Chairman of 2026 National Convention Committee

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, as Chairman of the Central Coordination Committee for its National Convention scheduled to hold in March 2026.

The appointment places Uzodimma at the helm of a powerful 73-member committee tasked with overseeing the planning, coordination, and successful execution of one of the ruling party’s most critical internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections. The convention is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s leadership structure, strategic direction, and internal cohesion at a time of intense political realignment across the country.

According to details released by the party, the committee brings together a broad spectrum of political heavyweights drawn from across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. The composition reflects a deliberate attempt by the APC to balance federal, state, and legislative interests while consolidating its control as the country’s dominant political force.

Serving as Vice Chairman of the committee is the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, was named Secretary. Both men are experienced party leaders with deep involvement in previous APC conventions and reconciliation efforts.

The committee’s membership includes serving governors from APC-controlled states, high-ranking federal legislators, former governors, party elders, and key national figures. Among them are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, former Senate Presidents Ahmad Lawan, Ken Nnamani, and Anyim Pius Anyim, as well as former party chairmen Abdullahi Adamu and Abdullahi Ganduje.

Also listed are prominent governors such as Babagana Zulum (Borno), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), underscoring the breadth of political representation within the committee.

Political analysts say the appointment of Uzodimma is both strategic and symbolic. As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Uzodimma has emerged as a key bridge between state governors and the party’s national leadership. His growing influence within the APC has been evident in recent months, particularly amid defections, internal negotiations, and party consolidation efforts ahead of 2027.

Observers note that the size and composition of the committee underline the importance the APC attaches to the 2026 convention. Beyond electing party officers, the convention is expected to serve as a platform for reaffirming loyalty to the party’s leadership, addressing internal grievances, and aligning the party’s structures ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

The inclusion of figures from across the legislative, executive, and party establishment has been interpreted as an effort to prevent internal dissent and ensure buy-in from all major blocs within the APC. Some commentators have described the list as “intimidating,” reflecting the concentration of political power and experience represented on the committee.

However, reactions to Uzodimma’s appointment and the committee list have been mixed, particularly on social media. While supporters hail the development as a sign of the party’s seriousness and organizational depth, critics argue that the emphasis on political maneuvering highlights the ruling party’s preoccupation with elections rather than governance.

In Imo State, opinions are divided over Uzodimma’s rising national profile. Some residents and political observers have questioned whether his influence at the federal level has translated into tangible development outcomes for the state. Others, however, contend that the governor’s recent infrastructure projects and policy initiatives suggest a renewed focus on governance.

Within broader political circles, the appointment has also fueled speculation about emerging power dynamics within the APC, particularly as the party positions itself for the 2027 elections. Analysts believe the convention committee could become a key arena for negotiating future leadership alignments, including zoning arrangements and strategic alliances.

As preparations for the March 2026 convention gather momentum, the spotlight will remain firmly on Uzodimma and his committee. Their ability to deliver a transparent, orderly, and inclusive convention may prove critical not only to the APC’s internal stability but also to its broader electoral fortunes in the years ahead.

For now, the unveiling of the 73-member committee signals a clear message: the ruling party is mobilizing its full political machinery early, determined to maintain cohesion, consolidate power, and shape the narrative ahead of the next general election cycle.