The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed the resignation of its National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, marking a significant turning point for the ruling party amid ongoing internal realignments and strategic recalibrations ahead of future elections. Ganduje, who also served as the former Governor of Kano State, formally stepped down from his role on Friday, June 27, 2025, citing health concerns as the primary reason for his decision. His resignation letter was submitted to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) through the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
In an official statement released late Friday night, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed the development and emphasized that Ganduje’s resignation took immediate effect. Morka praised Ganduje for his steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to the party’s growth and internal unity throughout his tenure as National Chairman. According to Morka, “Dr. Ganduje has decided to step down to attend to urgent and important personal matters. Throughout his time in office, he focused on strengthening the party’s unity and cohesion, advancing democratic values, and improving the APC’s electoral competitiveness.”
Further acknowledging Ganduje’s contributions, Morka highlighted the significant milestones achieved under his leadership, such as the successful orchestration of high-profile defections from opposition parties and crucial court victories that solidified the party’s internal governance structure. He also pointed to the overwhelming support and confidence expressed in Ganduje during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and caucus meetings held in February 2025, demonstrating the deep trust and appreciation for his leadership among party members and stakeholders.
In a rapid response to fill the leadership vacuum created by Ganduje’s departure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly directed Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, to immediately assume the position of acting National Chairman. The president further instructed Dalori to urgently convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to begin the process of selecting and confirming a substantive National Chairman, ensuring stability and continuity within the party’s leadership hierarchy.
While Ganduje has officially cited health-related reasons for his resignation, political analysts and insiders suggest there may be deeper strategic motivations at play. There is widespread speculation that Ganduje’s exit is part of a calculated move to pave the way for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP)—to return to the APC. Sources close to the presidency indicate that this potential realignment is designed to bolster APC’s support base in the North, strategically positioning the party ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
Although no official confirmation has been provided regarding these political maneuverings, the speculation has sparked intense debates within and outside the party, with many observers viewing the development as part of President Tinubu’s broader efforts to unify powerful northern political forces under the APC banner.
Meanwhile, Morka reassured both party members and the wider Nigerian public that the APC remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing the “Renewed Hope Agenda” under President Tinubu’s leadership. He emphasized that the party would continue to focus on delivering impactful governance, promoting national unity, and fulfilling its electoral promises despite the leadership changes.
Ganduje’s resignation marks the end of a pivotal chapter in the APC’s recent history and sets the stage for a new era of leadership under Dalori’s interim stewardship. As the party moves forward, all eyes will be on how it navigates internal dynamics, manages potential defections, and prepares for the road to the 2027 elections, where it will aim to consolidate power and reinforce its dominance in Nigeria’s political landscape.