APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje has resigned, ending his nearly two-year leadership of Nigeria’s ruling party.
Sources cite health concerns and political pressure as key reasons behind his unexpected decision to step down.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has officially stepped down as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending his nearly two-year leadership of the ruling party.
Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano State, reportedly tendered his resignation on Friday, citing health concerns and the need to take time off for rest and medical attention. His decision comes amid growing internal party tensions and mounting calls for the chairmanship to be rotated to the North-Central geopolitical zone.
Although no official reason was stated in the resignation letter seen by party insiders, sources close to the development say Ganduje’s exit was influenced by both personal health issues and strategic political considerations aimed at restoring party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party officials at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja were seen clearing Ganduje’s office early Friday, an indication that the transition is immediate. His resignation has not yet been publicly confirmed by the party, but multiple sources say the National Working Committee (NWC) has already begun deliberations on an interim leadership arrangement.
The party’s National Vice Chairman (North) is expected to assume the role of acting chairman pending a national convention scheduled for later in the year, where a new substantive chairman will be elected.
Ganduje assumed the chairmanship in August 2023 following the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the party after the contentious 2023 elections, as well as overseeing the early stages of party reforms led by the Tinubu administration.
His departure now places renewed attention on APC’s internal zoning arrangements and raises questions about its leadership structure ahead of critical political contests. Some analysts suggest the move was encouraged by President Bola Tinubu in a bid to balance regional representation and ease growing discontent among key stakeholders in the party.
As of press time, no formal statement has been released by Ganduje or the APC National Secretariat, but party insiders say a press briefing is expected within the next 24 hours.
The development is likely to trigger a fresh round of consultations and lobbying within the APC as the party navigates leadership changes in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
