North Central APC Endorses Senator Sani Musa for APC Chairman, warns Against zoning chairmanship outside region

The North Central APC Accord, a political pressure group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a strong warning to the party’s leadership against appointing a new national chairman from outside the North Central zone. The group cautioned that such a move could deepen internal divisions and erode public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman, the group formally endorsed Senator Mohammed Sani Musa as the most suitable candidate to lead the party into the future.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Rev. Matthias Ikani, and Secretary General, Ambassador Moses Audu, the group described Senator Musa as “the most credible and unifying option” for a party in need of direction, stability, and internal healing.

“We make this call not on the basis of mere sentiment, but out of a long-standing conviction that Senator Sani Musa represents the future of progressive leadership in our party,” the statement said. “He is calm, visionary, tested, and trusted. At a time when our party needs both internal healing and national balance, Senator Musa is the bridge between legacy and the future.”

The North Central APC Accord argued that the region has been one of the party’s most consistent support bases since the APC’s formation in 2013, playing a crucial role in national electoral victories. Despite this loyalty, the zone has never produced a substantive national chairman.

“This is a matter of equity and justice,” the group said. “Our region has played its part in building and sustaining this party from the days of the CPC-ACN merger. Now that a vacancy has emerged, it is both timely and just that we are given the opportunity to lead — and Senator Musa is best positioned to take up that mantle.”

Senator Musa, who currently represents Niger East and chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, is widely regarded as a disciplined and strategic leader with broad experience in both legislative and party affairs.

“He has no baggage, no history of factionalism, and no record of backroom deals that erode public confidence,” the group added. “We have observed his performance in the Senate, in his constituency, and within the party. He brings discipline, strategic thinking, and humility—qualities our party urgently needs at the national level.”

The group warned that imposing a chairman from outside the North Central zone or someone lacking grassroots credibility could fracture the party further and weaken its electoral prospects.

“Our democracy is maturing, and the APC must reflect that maturity,” the statement continued. “Leadership must no longer be reduced to reward systems or political survival tactics. It should embody balance, inclusion, and merit. Senator Musa fits this mold perfectly.”

The North Central APC Accord also called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by championing inclusiveness and internal democracy—principles he had long stood for as a national leader of the APC.

“The President has a historic opportunity to strengthen party unity by endorsing a consultative and fair process,” the statement said. “We know the legacy Mr. President aspires to leave behind. Supporting Senator Musa as national chairman is a strong step in that direction.”

The group urged party stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones to prioritize restoring integrity, loyalty, and inclusiveness in the APC’s leadership, warning against a return to elite capture and divisive politics.

“We are not asking for a favor—we are asking for what is right. This is a demand rooted in equity and principle. The APC must be a party of visionaries, not one ruled by the whims of a few,” the group concluded.