In a major shake-up within Nigeria’s ruling party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has resigned from his position as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development, confirmed by party insiders and reported by TVC News on Thursday, marks the end of Ganduje’s nearly two-year tenure as the party's helmsman.
Although official reasons cited point to health concerns, multiple sources within the APC suggest the resignation came amidst mounting political pressure. Party stakeholders from the North-Central region have in recent months intensified calls for a leadership rotation, arguing that the chairmanship should return to their zone following Ganduje’s controversial appointment in 2023.
Ganduje, a former two-term Governor of Kano State, assumed the role of APC National Chairman in August 2023 after the ouster of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. His leadership, however, has been dogged by internal wrangling, allegations of mismanagement, and a series of court cases, including a recent order by a Kano High Court restraining him from acting as chairman.
According to sources, Ganduje submitted his resignation to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who is now expected to assume the role of Acting National Chairman pending the party’s national convention scheduled for December.
The APC’s National Working Committee is expected to convene an emergency meeting in the coming days to formally ratify the resignation and chart a path forward. Meanwhile, discussions are already underway within party ranks over who should replace Ganduje permanently, with strong indications that the next chairman may emerge from the North-Central region.
The resignation comes at a critical time for the APC, as it begins internal realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party loyalists and observers alike are watching closely to see how the leadership transition will shape the APC's future direction.