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By Lizzy Chirkpi
A number of former lawmakers have been elected into the leadership structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerging as members of the party’s newly constituted National Executive Committee at Friday’s National Convention.
The convention, which drew delegates and party stakeholders from across the country, was convened to fill key national offices, reaffirm party leadership, and reposition the APC ahead of upcoming political activities. It also served as a platform for consensus-building among party blocs, with many positions decided through internal negotiations and endorsements. However, this was not without controversy, disagreements and crisis.
Their emergence reflects a leaning on tested political figures especially with legislative backgrounds to manage party affairs and provide strategic direction.
Those elected are: Ajibola Basiru as National Secretary; Abubakar Maikafi as National Auditor; Garba Datti Muhammad as National Vice Chairman (North-West); Duro Meseko as Deputy National Publicity Secretary; and Bunmi Ajayi Oriniowo as Ex-Officio (South-West).
For Ajibola Basiru, his emergence as National Secretary is continuity. A former Senator who represented Osun Central, Basiru was re-elected into the same position, having previously served in that capacity. His return is seen as a reinforcement of the party’s administrative backbone, given his experience in both legislative processes and party coordination.
In the North-East, Abubakar Maikafi, also a former senator, clinched the position of National Auditor. Though not returning to the same office, Maikafi brings with him years of public service experience, and is expected to play a critical role in ensuring financial discipline within the party.
From the North-West, Garba Datti Muhammad, a former House of Representatives member, emerged as National Vice Chairman. Popular for his vocal stance on governance issues during his time in the legislature, Datti is stepping into the role as a new entrant, not as a returning office holder.
Duro Meseko, who was elected Deputy National Publicity Secretary, is a former federal lawmaker with a reputation for party loyalty and media engagement. He was re-elected into the same role, continuing his work in shaping the party’s public communication.
Rounding off the list is Bunmi Ajayi Oriniowo, a former member of the House of Representatives, who was elected as Ex-Officio representing the South-West. Known for her grassroots mobilisation and constituency engagement during her time in the National Assembly, Oriniowo steps into this role as a fresh entrant into the National Executive Committee, rather than a re-election into a previous position.
Taken together, the profiles of the elected officers point to a blend of continuity and fresh responsibility. While some are returning to familiar roles, others are stepping into new positions, but all carry legislative experience expected to strengthen the party’s internal structure.