The resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has caused tension within the party, as loyalists expressed disappointment and calls grew for the next chairman to come from the North-Central region.
Ganduje, who became APC chairman in August 2023, stepped down on Friday. The party’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, said he resigned due to health reasons. However, insiders told Sunday PUNCH that his resignation came amid talks between President Bola Tinubu and Ganduje’s political rival, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is reportedly planning to join the APC.
As the party named Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, as acting chairman, the APC is now searching for a new permanent leader. A special meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is set for Monday to discuss who will replace Ganduje.
“There is strong consideration for the North-Central to produce the next chairman. This meeting will influence the final decision to be taken at the National Executive Council,” a source said.
The North-Central region, which includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, gave President Tinubu nearly 1.8 million votes in the 2023 election.
Ganduje’s loyalists express disappointment
Supporters of Ganduje, especially in Kano, have criticized the way he resigned, calling it a risky move for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Ganduje’s exit is disappointing, especially after his efforts to bring opposition members into the APC. It feels like a setback,” said Sulaiman Ibrahim, a loyalist.
Another supporter, Usman Garba, said, “I feel disappointed, but if this will strengthen the party or lead to a better role for him, it’s understandable. Politics is about interest and zoning.”
Garba also warned against trusting Kwankwaso, saying, “Kwankwaso has betrayed leaders in the past. It’s risky to rely on him.”
Umar Idris, another loyalist, also said he was not pleased. Meanwhile, Gaddafi Shafi’u, an APC member, claimed Ganduje’s resignation could be part of a political plan to reposition the party, even suggesting it might lead to Kwankwaso replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima.
A former adviser to Ganduje, Faizu Alfindiki, described the resignation as “both historic and deeply personal.”
North-Central pushes for chairmanship
Following Ganduje’s resignation, the North-Central APC Forum urged President Tinubu to let their region produce the next party chairman.
In a statement, Forum Chairman Saleh Zazzaga said, “It is only fair and just for the party to finally allow the North-Central to produce the national chairman, ensuring fairness, justice, and equity.”
Zazzaga reminded the party that the North-Central was originally meant to hold the position before Ganduje was selected.
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Al-Makura’s name surfaces
Former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura has emerged as a possible candidate for the chairmanship. He is from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc of the APC. Some reports say President Tinubu had promised the CPC bloc the chairmanship to prevent them from leaving the party.
However, a source said Tinubu may not support Al-Makura due to a lack of personal closeness.
“The President is not close to him. Tinubu doesn’t hand over power to people he doesn’t trust,” the source said.
Despite this, a political group in Gombe State, the Coalition of Progressive Movement, endorsed Al-Makura, calling him a loyal and competent leader.
“Al-Makura is a tested and trusted figure. We believe he is the right leader to strengthen the APC,” said the group’s coordinator, Umar Kumo.
Governors support Ganduje’s resignation
Meanwhile, APC governors under the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) said Ganduje’s resignation reflects the party’s ongoing growth.
In a statement read by PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, the governors said the decision was “in line with the party’s continued evolution.”
They also noted that recent defections into the APC show growing confidence in the party’s leadership.