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By our reporter
The National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has tendered his resignation, marking a significant shift in the party’s leadership as it faces growing internal divisions and public scrutiny.
Multiple sources within the APC confirmed Ganduje’s resignation to TVC News on Thursday. While the former Kano State governor cited health concerns as the primary reason for stepping down, political analysts believe the decision was also influenced by sustained internal pressure and mounting allegations surrounding his tenure.
Ganduje, who assumed office as National Chairman in August 2023 following the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has faced increasing criticism from within the party over alleged autocratic leadership, imposition of candidates, and unresolved corruption controversies. His leadership was also marked by factional struggles within the party, particularly in his home state of Kano.
In recent weeks, calls for his resignation intensified amid allegations of financial impropriety and discontent from key stakeholders in the party’s northern bloc. Party insiders revealed that the National Working Committee (NWC) had held several closed-door meetings to deliberate the way forward, leading to speculation that Ganduje’s position had become untenable.
Although his resignation letter formally cited “health-related reasons and the need to focus on personal well-being,” insiders suggest the move was a strategic retreat aimed at avoiding a potential forced ouster.
Following his exit, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Abubakar Kyari Dalori, is expected to step in as acting chairman pending the party’s national convention slated for December 2025. The APC constitution allows for interim leadership until a new chairman is elected.
Ganduje’s departure is likely to reshape the internal power dynamics of the APC, especially as the party prepares for critical off-season gubernatorial elections and begins strategizing for the 2027 general elections. Analysts say the leadership vacuum could open new contestations between regional blocs and party heavyweights vying for influence.
A formal statement from the APC’s National Secretariat is still being awaited as of press time.
