Ganduje’s Resignation Opens Political Space, Says Igbuzor

Dr. Otive Igbuzor, former Chief of Staff to ex-Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has hailed the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a welcome step for Nigeria’s democratic progress.

Speaking to PUNCH Online on Sunday at the 50th birthday celebration of Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, a former Acting Head of the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), Igbuzor noted that Ganduje’s exit reflects the maturing dynamics of Nigeria’s democratic space.

“Ganduje’s resignation is good for democracy,” Igbuzor stated. “We don’t yet know the real reason he stepped down, though he cited health issues. However, this development opens up the political space for internal party reforms and rebalancing.”

Ganduje resigned on Friday amidst reported internal tensions in the APC, officially attributing his departure to health concerns.

His decision has since led to the Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, stepping into the role in an acting capacity.

Igbuzor, who is also the Founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, emphasized that the controversy surrounding Ganduje’s emergence particularly regarding the zoning of the chairmanship to the North-Central had created lingering discontent within the party.

He further criticized the capture of state institutions by the political elite, warning that such trends hinder democratic consolidation.

“In Nigeria, the political elite has captured the state the legislature, the judiciary, and even the media,” he said. “To move forward as a country, we need an awakened and active citizenry that can hold leaders accountable and demand institutional reforms.”

Dr. Igbuzor’s remarks echo growing calls for greater transparency, internal democracy within political parties, and the need for sustained civic engagement in shaping Nigeria’s future.