After a turbulent 22-month tenure, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health reasons. His resignation, however, came after a tense 24 hours of high-stakes political pressure and behind-the-scenes power plays that signaled the end of his controversial reign.
The Breaking Point
Ganduje’s resignation on Friday followed a critical meeting with influential party and government stakeholders. With President Bola Tinubu now entering the second half of his administration and early preparations for the 2027 election underway, party leaders concluded that it was time to overhaul the APC's leadership for strategic recalibration.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Ganduje initially resisted the push, insisting he would first seek President Tinubu’s counsel. However, when he failed to secure an audience with the president, he tendered his resignation to APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru on Friday afternoon.
A Controversial Appointment from the Start
Ganduje’s appointment in 2023 barely three months after completing his second term as Governor of Kano State was met with widespread resistance. It was widely perceived as a move orchestrated by President Tinubu, but it alienated the party’s North-central bloc, which had lost its previous representation through the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu.
Critics within the party cited Ganduje’s lingering corruption allegations as a major concern. In 2017, Daily Nigerian published a viral video allegedly showing Ganduje pocketing bribe money from a contractor. Although he denied wrongdoing, and federal anti-corruption bodies have not pursued charges, the Kano State Government has continued to seek his prosecution since his exit from office.
Internal Turmoil and Waning Support
Over time, Ganduje lost the support of several high-profile party figures, including governors who initially backed him out of loyalty to President Tinubu. Rumors had swirled for months about a potential soft landing, including a possible ambassadorial appointment to China, which never materialized.
In February, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma temporarily shielded Ganduje from being ousted by initiating a vote of confidence during an APC NEC meeting. But the dissent within the party never truly died down.
His downfall accelerated recently after a political blunder at an APC North-East zonal meeting in Gombe. Ganduje called for President Tinubu’s endorsement for the 2027 elections but notably excluded Vice President Kashim Shettima who hails from the zone. The omission sparked outrage, and Ganduje had to be escorted out by security amid the chaos.
What’s Next for the APC?
With Ganduje now out of the picture, the APC faces the challenge of stabilizing its leadership and reinforcing internal unity as it gears up for the 2027 elections. His departure creates an opportunity for the party to reconnect with aggrieved factions, especially in the North-central region.
Final Thoughts
Ganduje’s resignation marks a significant shift in APC’s internal dynamics. Whether this change ushers in stability or further fragmentation will depend on how the party navigates the coming months.
👉 What do you think about Ganduje’s resignation? Do you believe this will strengthen the APC ahead of 2027? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your thoughts!
Page manager
