Mai Mala Buni: APC strategist and statesman, by Abubakar Hassan Gimba
In the dynamic and often turbulent world of Nigerian politics, few figures have shown the combination of strategic acumen, organisational skill, and loyal party service as consistently as Hon. Mai Mala Buni. From rising through the ranks of party administration to becoming a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Buni’s trajectory reflects not only his dedication to his home state of Yobe, but also to national political stability and the strategic cohesion of the party.
Today, Buni occupies several important leadership roles within the APC, roles that place him at the heart of the party’s preparations for future conventions and elections. His steady elevation speaks to a reputation for competence, reliability, and the ability to navigate complex political terrain.
Based on his record, many believe he is poised for yet more responsibility within the party’s hierarchy, perhaps even a national leadership duty.
APC Leadership Roles: A Look at Buni’s Current Responsibilities
As of early 2026, Buni continues to play a critical role in APC organisational affairs beyond his responsibilities as Governor of Yobe State, a position he has held since 2019. In addition to state governance, he is deeply involved in party strategy and coordination at the national level.
Most notably, he has been appointed Secretary of the APC Central Coordination Committee for the 2026 National Convention. This powerful committee, consisting of 73 members, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, is tasked with planning and steering the party’s next national convention, the event that will determine future leadership and structure for the APC. In this committee, Buni serves as Secretary, a role central to organisational alignment and communication across federal, state, and grassroots levels.
Beyond this, Buni also serves as Chairman of the APC Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation Committee, a key body aimed at strengthening internal party cohesion, resolving friction among members, and positioning the APC for success as it heads toward general elections.
Additionally, he leads the party’s Committee for the Review of the APC Constitution and the Expansion of the National Executive Committee (NEC), an initiative fundamental to ensuring that the party’s foundational structures are up to date, inclusive, and capable of navigating Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Taken together, these roles place Buni at the core of APC’s strategic planning and institutional reforms not merely as a member, but as a key architect and implementer of organisational priorities.
From Party Organiser to National Figure
Buni’s political journey in the APC spans years of diligent service. He previously served as National Secretary of the APC, a role in which he helped manage the party’s administrative apparatus during pivotal periods of consolidation and growth. Later, following internal turmoil within the APC in 2020, he was appointed Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) a position in which he led the party through a transitional phase and worked to restore organisational stability.
These experiences have given Buni a unique dual perspective: he understands both the nuts-and-bolts work of maintaining a mass political party and the larger strategic challenges of keeping competing interests aligned. It’s a rare combination in Nigerian politics, where party factions often drift apart under pressure.
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Balancing Governance and Party Leadership
What distinguishes Buni from many politicians who seek party prominence is his ability to deliver as a state governor while simultaneously navigating national party terrain. Under his leadership, Yobe State has seen notable achievements in governance, infrastructure, public service reform, and cultural development efforts that have reinforced his reputation as a leader committed to both political organisation and human development.
This dual capacity, to manage both governance tasks and party-building responsibilities, makes Buni a valuable asset to the APC. Instead of being siloed in committee rooms in Abuja, he brings the practical perspective of an executive governor to national party strategy. That blend of experience is often a prerequisite for higher office and broader responsibility.
Seen as a Bridge-Builder and Consensus Champion
Throughout his political career, Buni has been recognised for his reconciliatory style and ability to bring divergent voices together, an increasingly valuable quality within a multi-ethnic, multi-faith country like Nigeria. During his tenure as APC interim chairman, he was credited with reuniting aggrieved party members, smoothing intra-party fractures, and facilitating defections from rival parties, actions that strengthened the APC’s national coalition.
These are precisely the skills needed in Nigeria’s current political era, where fragmentation, factionalism, and regional tensions often characterise party dynamics. A leader who can mediate conflict, negotiate compromise, and forge consensus is an invaluable strategic resource.
A Profile Poised for Greater Responsibility
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Nigeria’s political landscape is entering a critical phase. Parties are consolidating support, identifying key strategic goals, and positioning leaders for roles beyond their current mandates. In this context, Buni’s portfolio within the APC places him among the cohort of leaders actively shaping the party’s direction.
While it is too early to definitively predict future appointments or office holdings, Buni’s increasingly prominent strategic roles suggest that he is well-positioned for elevated responsibility, His track record suggests a leader who rises to the occasion, adjusts to the demands of changing political environments, and delivers measurable outcomes for the organisations he serves.
A Strategic Asset for the APC and Nigeria
From the local councils of Gujba to the nerve centre of national APC strategy, Mai Mala Buni’s political ascent offers a compelling narrative about leadership grounded in service, adaptability, and strategic foresight. His current roles in the APC, particularly as Secretary of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee and as chair of several critical strategic committees, highlight his importance within the party at a time of transition and preparation.
Buni’s path demonstrates that effective political leadership is not just about ambition, but about reliability, organisational discipline, and the capacity to build bridges across factions and regions. These are the qualities that often define statesmen, and they are precisely why many observers believe that Buni is ready for responsibilities that extend even beyond his already substantial portfolio.
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As Nigeria’s political future unfolds, figures like Mai Mala Buni, seasoned in both governance and party leadership, will be watched closely by colleagues, constituents, and political analysts alike. Whether steering economic development in Yobe or shaping APC’s national agenda, his influence continues to grow, poised for whatever new chapter comes next.
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