The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated that consultations are ongoing with key stakeholders to determine a new date for the National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings, which were postponed last year.

The highly anticipated gatherings of the party’s statutory organs are set to be presided over by President Bola Tinubu, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President Muhammadu Buhari also expected to be in attendance.

Others anticipated at the meetings include past and present APC governors, former and serving Senate presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, state party chairmen, the National Working Committee, and other stakeholders.

The NEC and Caucus meetings were meant to serve as the inaugural session for past leaders and prominent party figures since Dr Abdullahi Ganduje assumed the role of National Chairman.

However, the meetings, originally slated for 11 and 12 September last year in Abuja, were abruptly called off without explanation.

At the time, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, assured party members that a new date would be communicated.

However, five months later, uncertainty lingers over when the rescheduled NEC meeting will take place.

Speculation has emerged in recent days that the ruling party may now be considering a new date in February. Despite these reports, the APC has remained silent on the matter.

Speaking on the development, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, stated that an announcement would be made soon.

When asked about former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai’s public concern over the delay, Basiru acknowledged the observation, but downplayed its significance.

He said, “On El-Rufai’s observation on the calling on the NEC, he is particularly correct. But that does not mean that NEC is the only organ of the party. There are other functional organs that are working for the success of the party.

“As far as we are concerned, we have taken note of his observation on the NEC and we are making efforts to ensure that as soon as possible, the NEC and the National Caucus will be called.”

Pressed further on the speculation surrounding a possible February date, Basiru did not dismiss the possibility.

Echoing similar sentiments, the National Legal Adviser, Prof Abdulkareem Kana, maintained that the meetings would be convened at the appropriate time.

“I know we are waiting for NEC, but I am not aware if a new date has been fixed. In any case, it is not a problem because we are not under any pressure to do so.

“Don’t worry. The NEC will be held at an appropriate time. We are just trying to ensure the timing is right to have a committee that will involve everybody, including the president, his deputy, the party chairman and others in government,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, confirmed that while no new date had been finalised, discussions were ongoing.