Ganduje Resigns as APC National Chairman, Stuns Tinubu Ahead of Ultimatum
Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, in a surprise political twist, has tendered his resignation as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), just days before a reported deadby President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The resignation, which took place on Friday, sent shockwaves through the party’s leadership, signalling deepening cracks within the ruling party.
Although Ganduje cited health concerns in his resignation letter, multiple sources from within the APC have revealed that his decision was driven by mounting pressure from the presidency. According to insiders, President Tinubu had given Ganduje until Monday to step down quietly, but the former Kano governor decided to preempt the deadline, tendering his resignation immediately and reportedly clearing out his office over the weekend.
“The plan was to allow him the weekend to pack his belongings and exit quietly. But he seemed upset by the pressure and chose to resign right away,” a party source disclosed.
Ganduje’s resignation comes amid increasing tension within the APC, with many party stakeholders questioning the legitimacy of his appointment in 2023, which was seen as a deviation from the party’s original zoning arrangement that favored the North Central region. With his exit, the APC is now expected to return to that agreement by appointing a new chairman from the North Central zone.
Among the frontrunners to succeed, Ganduje are Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura, former Governor of Nasarawa State, and Senator George Akume, the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Both men hail from the North Central region and are considered experienced and politically grounded figures within the party.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Hashimu Dungurawa, has contested the official narrative, insisting that Ganduje was forced out due to corruption-related issues and internal conflicts with Tinubu. He accused Ganduje of undermining the APC and working behind the scenes to frustrate Tinubu’s administration and political plans.
“He didn’t resign, he was removed. Ganduje’s continued corruption and anti-party activities were his downfall. He was working against APC’s success in the upcoming elections, especially in Anambra,” Dungurawa alleged.
The situation has raised further questions about unity within the APC as it prepares for key electoral contests in the coming months. The choice of a new national chairman, especially one who can balance regional interests and command loyalty within the party, is now of urgent importance.
As the APC begins internal consultations to fill the leadership vacuum, observers are watching closely to see how the party navigates this sensitive transition and whether it can maintain cohesion ahead of the 2025 elections.
