APC National Chairman Ganduje, Resigns

Ganduje Resignation Shakes APC Leadership: What It Means for 2027 and Beyond

Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the embattled National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially stepped down from his role, signaling a seismic shift in the party’s internal dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Breaking the Silence: Ganduje Steps Down

On Friday, June 27, 2025, multiple credible sources confirmed Ganduje’s resignation, with his personal belongings removed from the APC national secretariat in Abuja. While the official reason cited is health-related, insiders suggest that pressure from political factions, zoning demands, and leadership controversies played a decisive role.

Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, confirmed the resignation via social media, noting it is “effective immediately.” As of press time, attempts to reach APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, have been unsuccessful.

Timeline of Key Events

• Before June 27, 2025: Rumors swirl about dissatisfaction within APC over Ganduje’s leadership.
• June 27, 2025: Resignation confirmed; supporters converge at APC HQ; acting chairman expected.
• December 2025: APC will elect a new substantive chairman at its national convention.

Ganduje’s Tumultuous Tenure (2023–2025)

Ganduje, who assumed office in August 2023 following Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s resignation, faced fierce headwinds during his tenure:

• Controversial North-West appointment reignited zoning debates.
• Internal unrest over nomination fees and alleged financial mismanagement.
• Legal troubles included a court-ordered suspension in Kano State.
• Persistent calls from within for restructuring and reform.

Successor Speculation and Strategic Calculus

As the party repositions, these names are surfacing as potential long-term replacements:

Contender	Why They Matter
Sen. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura	Respected APC elder from North-Central; zoning-friendly pick.
Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa	Technocratic and youthful voice popular among younger factions.
Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (rumored)	High-profile returnee with major grassroots support in the North-West.

In the interim, Alhaji Bukar Dalori, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), is acting as chairman.

Implications for APC and Nigeria’s Political Landscape

The ripple effects of Ganduje’s resignation are already being felt:

• Zoning Realignment: Likely return of the chairmanship to the North-Central to ease internal tensions.
• Strategic Reset: Move seen as paving way for party unity and renewed alliances, potentially including Kwankwaso.
• Accountability Pressure: May embolden anti-corruption advocates and energize reform-minded blocs.
• Tinubu’s Grip Tested: The president’s influence on the choice of successor will be telling.

Supporter Reactions: Mixed Signals on the Ground

Outside APC headquarters and on social media, reactions have ranged from supportive to suspicious:

• Some praised the move as a “strategic restructure.”
• Others questioned the health excuse, pointing to political maneuvering.
• A few loyalists posted cryptic farewells, hinting at deeper plans in play, particularly in Kano State politics.

As the APC reshuffles its leadership deck ahead of 2027, all eyes will be on how it navigates this critical period. Ganduje’s departure may be the end of a chapter, but it's clearly the start of a high-stakes battle for the party’s future.