Fresh developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have revealed that the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position, reportedly in response to discussions involving the possible return of his longtime political rival, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the ruling party.
Sources at the APC national secretariat confirmed that Ganduje tendered his resignation on Friday afternoon following reports of high-level talks between President Bola Tinubu and Kwankwaso. The former Kano State governors, who were once allies under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have since become fierce adversaries, particularly in their struggle for control of Kano’s political landscape.
An insider revealed that top party officials, including National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, attempted to dissuade Ganduje from stepping down. “We tried to appeal to him to stay, but he was adamant. He was clearly upset over the news that Kwankwaso might be joining the APC. Their fallout runs deep,” the source stated.
By 4:15 PM on Friday, it was confirmed that Ganduje had officially resigned. Party members and observers gathered at the APC headquarters in Abuja to discuss the unfolding development.
The tension between Ganduje and Kwankwaso dates back to 2015, when Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor of Kano under the APC platform. Although they had previously served together Kwankwaso as governor and Ganduje as his deputy, their relationship soured after the transition of power. Ganduje notably deposed Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, a figure believed to be loyal to Kwankwaso. In May 2024, Sanusi was reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), where Kwankwaso holds influence.
While Ganduje cited health reasons for his resignation, many believe the underlying motive was the rumored deal to welcome Kwankwaso into the APC fold.
Adding another layer to the political drama, Buba Galadima, a close associate of Kwankwaso, claimed that a closed-door meeting involving APC stakeholders and government officials proposed removing both Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima to restructure the party and government. “I heard that they want to sacrifice Ganduje and Shettima to accommodate a new wave of leaders,” Galadima said, although he denied any knowledge of a confirmed defection by Kwankwaso.
Similarly, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson declined to confirm or deny the rumors, saying, “I’m not in a position to comment at the moment.”
The resignation was indirectly confirmed by Ganduje’s aide, Salihu Yakasai, who posted an emotional reaction on social media, and by Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential media aide, who shared the news on his verified Facebook page.
In line with the APC constitution, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, is expected to take over as Acting National Chairman. A source revealed that Dalori’s appointment was discussed at a meeting in the Presidential Villa shortly after Ganduje’s resignation.
Efforts to get an official statement from APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, as he did not respond to calls.
Party faithful were still gathered at the APC headquarters late into the evening, awaiting formal communication from the National Working Committee (NWC) on the leadership transition.
