APC National Chairman Ganduje Resigns Amid Health Concerns and Internal Pressure

 

Abuja, Nigeria – June 27, 2025

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially resigned from his position, citing health reasons and increasing internal pressure from party stakeholders. His resignation, submitted and confirmed on Friday, marks a significant development in the leadership structure of Nigeria’s ruling party.

In his resignation letter addressed to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC, Ganduje stated that he was stepping down to focus on his personal well-being. However, political analysts and insiders suggest that his decision also follows sustained pressure from key party blocs, especially from the North-Central zone, who have long argued that the chairmanship should return to their region.

Ganduje, who previously served as Governor of Kano State, was appointed APC National Chairman in 2023 following the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. Since assuming office, Ganduje has faced challenges in unifying the party and addressing regional concerns, particularly regarding internal equity and zoning arrangements.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed the resignation and praised Ganduje for his service to the party. “Dr. Ganduje has been a committed leader during his time as National Chairman. We respect his decision and wish him well in his recovery,” Morka said during a press briefing in Abuja.

In the interim, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ali Bukar Dalori, the current Deputy National Chairman (North), as Acting National Chairman. Dalori will hold the position until a substantive replacement is elected at the party’s National Convention, scheduled for December 2025.

Political observers have noted that Ganduje’s resignation may also have been influenced by tensions surrounding the rumored defection of his long-time political rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the APC. The possible entry of Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has sparked internal debate, with Ganduje’s camp allegedly resisting the move.

Reactions to Ganduje’s resignation have been mixed. While some party members see it as a necessary step to restore balance and regional fairness within the APC leadership, others fear it may signal instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With the National Convention months away, attention now turns to who will emerge as the next substantive chairman of the APC. Potential candidates from the North-Central and other zones are expected to begin consultations in the coming weeks, as the party seeks to maintain unity and chart a clear path forward.