Ganduje Steps Down as APC Chairman Amid Rising Internal Tensions

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has resigned as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending a tumultuous tenure marked by internal strife and growing dissatisfaction within the ruling party.

Although no official announcement had been made by the APC secretariat at press time, multiple sources within the party confirmed the development on Friday, stating that Ganduje’s resignation took immediate effect. The news, while anticipated in some quarters, still caught many off guard due to his recent public engagements.

A senior party official, speaking under the condition of anonymity, said:

> “Between me and you, it is true, but I can’t confirm officially — and please don’t quote me.”

While the resignation is being publicly portrayed as voluntary, insiders say the move follows sustained pressure from influential stakeholders, especially from Northern Nigeria, where Ganduje’s support base has reportedly eroded.

“There’s been quiet but serious agitation for his removal for some time,” a party strategist noted. “His continued leadership was seen as a growing liability, particularly with the December convention approaching.”

Observers point to several signs that his position had become untenable. Internal complaints allegedly arose over contradictions in Ganduje’s reported health issues and his active participation in high-profile public events. Critics within the party viewed this as undermining internal communication and credibility.

Ironically, Ganduje’s resignation comes just hours after he led an APC delegation to visit Niger State Governor Umaru Bago on a condolence visit following the tragic Mokwa flooding, which claimed over 200 lives. He had also appeared at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders the previous day, fueling assumptions he would remain in office.

However, Friday’s development suggests a deal may have been brokered behind the scenes to facilitate his quiet exit — likely to avoid deepening existing tensions or triggering open rebellion.

In the interim, a national vice chairman of the APC is expected to step in as acting chairman pending the party’s national convention scheduled for December 2025. The APC has not yet issued a statement detailing the transition or reasons behind Ganduje’s departure.

His resignation comes at a critical moment for the party, which is grappling with mounting public dissatisfaction over worsening economic conditions, insecurity, and increasing internal discord. The sudden leadership vacuum could complicate preparations for the December convention and embolden rival factions jostling for dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ganduje, who governed Kano State from 2015 to 2023, assumed the APC chairmanship in 2023 with the mandate to unify the party after the general elections. However, his leadership was dogged by controversy, with critics citing unresolved corruption allegations from his tenure as governor and raising concerns about his ability to command wide support across the APC’s diverse power blocs.

Now out of the picture, Ganduje’s exit may mark the beginning of a major realignment within the APC. Whether it leads to reform or further instability remains to be seen — but the struggle for the party’s soul ahead of 2027 has clearly begun.