Ganduje Resigns as APC National Chairman Amidst Turmoil
In a seismic development rattling Nigeria's political landscape, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has resigned as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), effective today, Friday, June 27, 2025. While officially citing health reasons, sources close to the party suggest his departure is tied to mounting internal political tensions and persistent allegations of financial impropriety during his short tenure.
Ganduje, a veteran politician born on December 25, 1949, took the helm of the APC in August 2023, stepping into the void left by Senator Abdullahi Adamu's resignation. His appointment was initially viewed as a move to stabilize a party grappling with internal conflicts.
A Career Defined by Influence and Controversy
Ganduje's political journey has been both prominent and often contentious:
Two-Time Deputy Governor of Kano (1999-2003, 2011-2015): He served two stints alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso, laying the groundwork for his future ambitions.
Kano State Governor (2015-2023): As a two-term governor, Ganduje initiated various policies. However, his tenure was also marked by significant controversies, most notably the creation of new emirates in Kano, which led to a highly publicised rift with then-Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
A Short, Turbulent Stint as APC Chair
His time as APC National Chairman, though brief, was far from smooth:
Internal Strife: Ganduje inherited a party battling internal divisions. His leadership faced scrutiny, with accusations of mismanagement and factionalism surfacing.
Court Battles: He faced legal challenges, including an ex parte court order in April 2024 from a Kano State High Court attempting to restrain him from parading as an APC member. While another court later struck out a similar suit, these actions underscored the deep-seated dissent within party ranks.
Financial Allegations: Reports of "excessive financial demands" from his office cast a shadow over his leadership. Some party members, particularly aspiring FCT area council candidates, reportedly complained about hefty fees required to secure party tickets, fueling widespread discontent.
The Resignation: Health or High Pressure?
While Ganduje's resignation letter attributes his decision to a need to focus on his "well-being," insiders reveal a more complex picture. Sources indicate that mounting political pressure from within the party, coupled with the persistent allegations of financial misconduct, likely played a significant role in his sudden exit.
He reportedly tendered his resignation to the APC National Working Committee (NWC), handing over responsibilities to the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
What's Next for the APC?
Ganduje's departure creates an immediate leadership vacuum in Nigeria's ruling party. As the APC has yet to issue an official statement, speculation is rife about who will take the reins and what implications this will have for the party's strategic direction, particularly with the crucial 2027 general elections on the horizon.
It's worth noting that prior to this resignation, in January 2025, President Bola Tinubu had appointed Ganduje as the board chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Whether this new role will be impacted by his resignation from the party's top leadership remains to be seen.
Ganduje's exit marks a significant moment for the APC, signaling a potential new chapter for the party as it navigates its path forward.
