In a move that stunned party members and observers alike, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, has resigned from his post with immediate effect, officially attributing the decision to health challenges.
Naijapunchnews learned that the sudden announcement caused visible shock among staff and visitors at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Friday. Eyewitnesses reported that Ganduje’s personal aides quickly began packing up his office belongings shortly after the news broke.
Official Reason: Health Challenges
Ganduje cited declining health as the primary factor behind his departure, explaining that he needed to focus on recovery and personal well-being. However, while this is the official explanation, many party insiders and analysts believe other forces were at play.
Rumours of Internal Power Plays
Sources within the APC suggest Ganduje’s exit is not solely about health. According to one senior party member who spoke with Vanguard, the looming 2027 presidential election has triggered intense jockeying within the party, especially over the prized position of vice-presidential running mate to President Bola Tinubu.
“There’s a lot of positioning going on. Many aspirants for the running mate slot come from the North West. If that slot goes to the North West, the party will need to zone the chairmanship elsewhere,” the insider explained.
It is also important to note that the APC had initially zoned the position of national chairman to the North Central region. Ganduje’s appointment, therefore, was seen by some as an interim compromise that could now be revisited to restore zoning balance.
Leadership Transition
Following Ganduje’s resignation, Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North), has stepped in as Acting National Chairman. This succession follows the APC’s constitution, specifically Section 14(2)(iii), which stipulates that the deputy automatically assumes leadership when the chairman’s office becomes vacant.
Likely Successor: Almakura in Focus
Early speculation about Ganduje’s permanent replacement has centred on Senator Umar Tanko Almakura, the former Governor of Nasarawa State. Seen as a leading figure from the North Central, Almakura’s candidacy would align with the party’s original zoning plan and could help manage internal tensions.
A Tumultuous Tenure
Ganduje’s time as APC chairman was anything but smooth. Since taking the helm in August 2023, he faced legal challenges and intra-party opposition. In April 2024, a Kano State High Court issued an order suspending him from representing the party, although that move was contested. Meanwhile, a Federal High Court ruling rejected attempts to remove him entirely, creating months of legal uncertainty that undermined his authority.
Broader Implications
Analysts say Ganduje’s resignation underscores the broader struggle for power and influence within the APC ahead of 2027. With President Tinubu expected to seek re-election, the party faces the delicate task of balancing its internal power blocs, particularly between the North West and North Central regions, to maintain unity and electoral strength.
As the APC begins the process of selecting a new substantive chairman, all eyes will be on how the party navigates its internal divisions and whether Ganduje’s departure will cool tensions or merely mark the start of another round of intense political maneuvering.
Post a Comment