- Ganduje’s resignation sparks power contest as loyalists kick
- Ganduje’s Resignation Sparks Tensions in APC as North-Central Demands Chairmanship, Coalition Pushes Al-Makura
The political landscape within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been thrown into fresh turmoil following the resignation of its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on Friday. His departure, officially cited as a health-related decision, has drawn mixed reactions from party stakeholders, with loyalists expressing dismay and regional blocs jostling for control ahead of the 2027 elections.
While the APC’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, has assumed the role of acting chairman, the party is already in motion to appoint a substantive successor. The National Working Committee (NWC) is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Monday to deliberate on Ganduje’s replacement, which could significantly influence the party’s positioning for 2027.
Ganduje’s Loyalists Express Disappointment
In Kano, staunch loyalists of the former APC national chairman have expressed disappointment over his resignation. Some fear that his exit could weaken the party’s internal structure and dampen its momentum ahead of the general elections.
Sulaiman Ibrahim, a close ally of Ganduje, said, “Ganduje’s exit is disappointing, especially considering his efforts in attracting defectors to the APC. It feels like a setback for the party.”
Another supporter, Usman Garba, echoed similar sentiments but noted that the decision may be a strategic move for internal balance. “Politics is about interest and zoning. If this realignment strengthens the party or offers Ganduje a new opportunity, then so be it,” he said. However, he warned against trusting Rabiu Kwankwaso, whose reported defection to the APC is believed to have influenced Ganduje’s resignation.
Garba added, “Kwankwaso is not reliable. He has a track record of jumping ship when it suits him.”
North-Central Pushes for Zoning, Eyes Al-Makura
Amid the leadership vacuum, the North-Central APC Forum has renewed its demand for the chairmanship to return to the region. The forum argues that the North-Central was originally zoned the chairmanship, a position last held by Senator Abdullahi Adamu before Ganduje’s controversial appointment.
Forum chairman Saleh Zazzaga, in a statement, stressed, “Now that Ganduje has stepped aside, 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.”
Among the top contenders from the region is Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former governor of Nasarawa State and a key figure in the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc of the APC. While Al-Makura enjoys support from party members and political groups like the Coalition of Progressive Movement in Gombe, there are reports that President Bola Tinubu may be hesitant due to a lack of close ties with him.
A source within the Presidency disclosed, “The President is open to considering the CPC bloc, but he is unlikely to hand over the party structure to someone he doesn’t trust.”
Rising Speculation: Kwankwaso’s Role and Party Strategy
Ganduje’s resignation has further fueled speculation of a broader political strategy within the APC, particularly concerning Kwankwaso. Some party insiders believe the move could pave the way for a reshuffle in the 2027 ticket, possibly involving replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with Kwankwaso, as part of a power-sharing deal to strengthen the party’s northern appeal.
One Ganduje loyalist, Gaddafi Shafi’u, hinted at this, saying, “It may be a plan to replace Shettima with Kwankwaso as part of a political strategy. They are being sacrificed to strengthen APC’s chances in 2027.”
Governors’ Forum Reacts
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has thrown its weight behind Ganduje’s resignation, describing it as part of the party’s continued evolution. The forum’s chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, in a communiqué issued after a two-day meeting in Benin, said, “The resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, is acknowledged as being in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.”
The forum also applauded the wave of recent defections to the APC as a sign of public confidence in the party’s leadership.
What’s Next
All eyes are now on Monday’s NWC meeting, where the APC will begin formal deliberations on its next national chairman. If consensus is not reached, the issue may proceed to a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for resolution.
The North-Central bloc, especially political actors from Nasarawa, Kogi, and Benue, is expected to intensify lobbying efforts, while the potential role of Kwankwaso looms large in reshaping the party’s northern strategy.
The coming days will determine whether the APC can manage this transition smoothly or whether internal fractures will further complicate its path to 2027.