The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, ending a contentious tenure that began in August 2023. The announcement, reported by Naija News, comes amid swirling speculations that President Bola Tinubu is orchestrating a reconciliation with Ganduje’s political rival, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to bolster the APC’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.
Resignation and Political Context
Ganduje, who served as Kano State Governor from 2015 to 2023, tendered his resignation on Friday, following months of internal party strife and legal challenges. Sources at the APC national secretariat, speaking to The Cable, revealed that President Tinubu’s efforts to bring Kwankwaso, the former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, into the APC fold played a significant role in Ganduje’s exit. “Between me and you, it is true, but I can’t confirm officially, and please don’t quote me,” a senior APC official disclosed.
The resignation follows Ganduje’s leadership of the APC National Working Committee on a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago earlier on Friday, addressing the Mokwa flood and banditry issues. Despite citing health concerns, Ganduje was active as recently as Thursday, attending a consultative meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja alongside APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru.
Turbulent Tenure
Ganduje’s less-than-a-year stint as APC chairman was marked by controversy, driven by legal battles, internal party conflicts, and tensions within the Kano APC chapter, largely fueled by his longstanding feud with Kwankwaso, his predecessor as Kano governor. Appointed by the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in August 2023, Ganduje faced persistent challenges that undermined his leadership.
Interim Leadership and Future Outlook
Party insiders indicate that one of the APC’s national vice chairmen will assume the role of acting chairman until the party’s national convention in December. Meanwhile, attention is shifting to Kwankwaso, a prominent northern politician whose potential alignment with the APC could significantly alter political dynamics in Kano and beyond ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ganduje’s departure marks a pivotal moment for the APC as it navigates internal restructuring and strategic alliances in preparation for the upcoming electoral cycle.
