On June 27, 2025, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje abruptly resigned as the National Chairman of the APC. While the official statement cited health concerns, fresh reports suggest deeper undercurrents tied to internal power plays as the party prepares for the 2027 elections. Here’s an in-depth look:
Official Explanation: Health First
Ganduje’s resignation letter stated he must “attend to urgent and important personal matters,” widely interpreted as health-related concerns.
APC leadership, including National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, promptly confirmed the move and appointed Alhaji Bukar Dalori (Deputy National Chairman—North) as Acting Chairman.
The Hidden Agenda: Power, Zoning & Political Strategy
Zoning Pressures
Under the APC Constitution, the National Chairman’s slot is officially zoned to the North Central. Ganduje, from Kano (North West), was seen by many as an outsider.
Reports indicate powerful voices from North Central had been clamouring for his exit, pushing to restore regional balance.
The Kwankwaso Factor
Rumours abound that negotiations were underway between President Tinubu and former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, a prominent NNPP figure, about Kwankwaso’s potential entry into the APC
Ganduje, a longtime rival of Kwankwaso, reportedly threatened to resign if the defection happened.
Strategic Sacrifice
Analysts such as Buba Galadima claim Ganduje (and VP Shettima) were “sacrificed” to make way for political realignment ahead of 2027.
This move is thought to both appease regional zoning demands and smooth Kwankwaso’s entry into the party.
Reaction & Fallout
Inside the Secretariat: Sources say Ganduje’s aides were seen clearing his office ahead of the public announcement—sparking surprise among staff.
Social Media: Ganduje ally Salihu Yakasai tweeted:
“TINUBU, WHY? APC, WHY?”
Demonstrating dismay over the move.
Meanwhile, the North Central APC Forum welcomed the resignation, calling it a step toward rebalancing party structure.
Next Steps: What Lies Ahead
NEC Meeting Soon
President Tinubu has directed NEC to convene quickly to elect a substantive chairman from the zoned region.
Potential Nominees
Names in circulation include ex-Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa and others from the North Central.
Kwankwaso’s Entry
If party unity is the goal, leveraging Kwankwaso’s influence—especially in Kano—could bolster APC’s 2027 prospects.
2027 Election Strategy
Removing Ganduje and possibly repositioning Shettima and others is seen as strategic groundwork for Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.
Final Take
Dr. Ganduje’s resignation was more than a health pause—it was a carefully orchestrated political maneuver. The move appeases internal zoning issues, clears the path for Kwankwaso’s integration, and signals that Tinubu’s APC is repositioning itself for the future.
As Dalori takes over temporarily, eyes will shift to the upcoming NEC decisions: who takes the helm, what alliances form, and how these align with APC’s vision for 2027.
