Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has officially resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health reasons. However, behind the scenes, party insiders and political observers suggest his resignation may be linked to deeper political calculations, including the rumored defection of his long-time rival, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the APC. Ganduje’s exit, confirmed by party spokesperson Felix Morka, comes less than a year after his appointment in August 2023, following Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s resignation.
The news has sparked mixed reactions within the APC, particularly among Ganduje’s loyalists in Kano. Many of them view the resignation as a political misstep, particularly given Ganduje’s role in strengthening the party through high-profile defections and internal consolidation. “This feels like a setback,” said one supporter, Sulaiman Ibrahim, expressing frustration over what he called a premature political sacrifice. Another loyalist, Usman Garba, acknowledged his disappointment but said the resignation could be part of a broader political restructuring ahead of the 2027 elections. Several Kano-based APC members also expressed concern over Kwankwaso’s reported entry into the party, warning that his history of party-hopping could destabilize the APC if given too much influence.
As the APC leadership scrambles to fill the vacuum, the North-Central region has renewed its long-standing call to reclaim the national chairmanship. The North-Central APC Forum has argued that the region deserves to complete the tenure initiated by former chairman Abdullahi Adamu, who also hailed from the zone. According to the forum, this move would promote justice, equity, and uphold the party’s zoning arrangement. “It is only fair and just,” said the forum’s chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, who urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the next chairman comes from the region, which includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states.
Among the frontrunners for the top party role is Senator Tanko Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State and a key figure in the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc. Supporters, including the Coalition of Progressive Movement in Gombe State, have thrown their weight behind Al-Makura, citing his loyalty, political experience, and wide acceptability. However, there are concerns about his viability, particularly due to his reportedly distant relationship with President Tinubu, which some insiders believe may limit his chances of clinching the position.
Meanwhile, the APC’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, has stepped in as acting chairman in line with party protocols. The National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to hold a crucial meeting on Monday to deliberate on the next steps and possibly present a shortlist of candidates. This will likely be followed by a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to ratify the appointment of a substantive chairman. According to insiders, the North-Central zone is receiving strong consideration, as it delivered a significant number of votes for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election and boasts several states led by the APC.
In response to Ganduje’s resignation, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, released a statement describing the move as a necessary step in the party’s ongoing evolution. They emphasized the need for stability, unity, and strategic leadership within the party as it begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.
As the APC navigates this period of transition, all eyes are on President Tinubu and the party’s power blocs to see whether they will use this opportunity to strengthen internal cohesion or risk further fragmentation ahead of a crucial electoral cycle.
