The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) has extended the tenure of the party's executive committees in Ekiti and Osun states until March 28, 2027. This decision marks the second extension of the executives' tenure, following an earlier extension granted in June. The move effectively postpones fresh ward, local government, and state congresses in the two states until after the 2027 general election.
According to a letter dated September 26, 2026, obtained by the Nigerian Tribune, the party's National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, stated that the NWC approved the extension at its 195th meeting held on September 26. The decision was made following appeals and requests submitted by the two state chapters on September 9. The letter, titled "Notice of Extension of Tenure for Ekiti and Osun State APC Executives," did not provide detailed reasons for the extension.
Senior party sources revealed that the leadership considered the proximity of the proposed congresses to the January 2027 election and opted to retain the existing executives to avoid internal disputes that could undermine the party's electoral preparations. The decision also reflects the APC leadership's resolve to present a united front across the South-West ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ekiti State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Segun Dipe, confirmed the extension, stating that the decision had been communicated to the state chapter by the NWC. Although he declined to disclose the specific reasons behind the decision, Dipe said the APC was committed to due process and orderliness in accordance with the party's constitution.
Dipe expressed confidence that the state would deliver a stronger electoral performance for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general election. He added that party leaders and executives in Ekiti, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, would sustain their ongoing mobilisation efforts for the re-election of Tinubu and other APC candidates.
The extension of the tenure of the Ekiti and Osun state APC executives is seen as a strategic move to ensure the party's stability and cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election. The decision is also expected to provide the party with sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming elections without internal distractions.
The APC's decision to extend the tenure of the executives in Ekiti and Osun states has sparked mixed reactions among party members and supporters. While some have welcomed the move, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the party's internal democracy and electoral performance.
Key points
- APC extends tenure of Ekiti and Osun state party executives until March 28, 2027.
- The decision aims to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election.
- The extension postpones fresh ward, local government, and state congresses in the two states until after the 2027 general election.
