By Peter Dansu In a dramatic twist that has shaken Nigeria’s political landscape, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stepped down as the Natio...
By Peter Dansu
In a dramatic twist that has shaken Nigeria’s political landscape, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stepped down as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that has triggered a flurry of speculation and intrigue within political circles.
While Ganduje officially cited health concerns as the reason for his sudden resignation, insiders suggest that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Premium Times reports that multiple sources within the party revealed that internal tensions, mounting pressure from stakeholders, and allegations of financial impropriety may have all contributed to his unexpected exit.
Ganduje, a former two-term Governor of Kano State, only assumed the role of APC National Chairman in August 2023. But from the outset, his tenure was anything but smooth. His leadership was embroiled in controversy, including public outcry over alleged “exorbitant financial demands” placed on aspirants—especially those contesting for chairmanship positions in the FCT area councils—who claimed they were being charged heavy fees just to secure the party’s ticket.
According to Premium Times, Sources close to the party say several members had grown increasingly frustrated with the chairman’s style of leadership, accusing him of alienating key party stakeholders and mishandling sensitive party matters.
Ganduje’s leadership also came under legal fire. In April 2024, a Kano State High Court issued an ex parte order restraining him from acting as a member of the APC, following a legal challenge by a faction of the party in his home state. Though a Federal High Court in Abuja later dismissed a separate suit seeking his removal, the court battles underscored the deep divisions his leadership had caused.
Adding to the turbulence were internal investigations, behind-the-scenes negotiations, and protests from party factions who felt marginalized under his watch. According to a senior party source, Ganduje’s resignation was not entirely voluntary but rather the result of mounting pressure from influential party figures who believed a change in leadership was critical ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“He had become a lightning rod for controversy. The party couldn’t move forward with that kind of distraction,” the source told Vanguard.
As of press time, the APC has not released an official statement confirming Ganduje’s resignation or naming a successor, leaving the political class and party faithful guessing about the future direction of the ruling party.
One thing is clear: Ganduje’s resignation marks the end of a contentious era in APC leadership—and the beginning of what could be a power tussle for control of the party’s national structure.
With political realignments already taking shape across the country, all eyes are now on the APC to see who emerges to steady the ship as the 2027 elections draw closer.
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