Fresh details have emerged regarding the sudden resignation of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
Reliable sources told Saturday PUNCH that Ganduje stepped down due to reported moves by former Kano State governor and political rival, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to join the APC—a development allegedly brokered by President Bola Tinubu.
According to insiders at the party’s national secretariat, Ganduje began threatening to resign as early as 3 p.m. on Friday after learning of a potential deal between Tinubu and Kwankwaso. Despite attempts by top party officials, including the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, to dissuade him, Ganduje reportedly remained firm in his decision.
“We are currently pleading with him not to resign. He is very upset about Kwankwaso coming into the APC. The two have a long-standing political feud. All stakeholders are begging him to reconsider,” a party source disclosed.
By 4:15 p.m., the same source confirmed that Ganduje had officially resigned.
“He eventually resigned. We couldn’t stop him. There’s clearly something deeply personal between him and Kwankwaso,” the source added.
A staff member at the APC secretariat confirmed the development, saying, “There’s no crisis here, just that the chairman has resigned. People are gathered to talk about it.”
A History of Political Rivalry
Ganduje and Kwankwaso, both former governors of Kano State, were once close allies during their time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Kwankwaso governed from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015, with Ganduje serving as his deputy during the second term.
However, their relationship deteriorated after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor under the APC in 2015. Since then, the two have become fierce political opponents, frequently clashing over Kano’s political control.
One of the most symbolic acts of their rivalry was Ganduje’s controversial deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II—believed to be loyal to Kwankwaso—in 2020. The emir was reinstated on May 23, 2024, by NNPP Governor Abba Yusuf, a close ally of Kwankwaso.
Although Ganduje publicly cited health reasons for his resignation, many observers believe the move is more politically motivated, especially in light of Kwankwaso’s rumored entry into the APC.
Allegations of High-Level Political Sacrifice
Adding to the intrigue, Buba Galadima, a close associate of Kwankwaso, denied knowledge of any planned defection but revealed knowledge of a high-level political meeting.
“I’m not aware Kwankwaso is defecting. But I do know there was a meeting involving APC stakeholders and the presidency where it was agreed that Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima would be sacrificed to make way for new entrants into government,” Galadima alleged.
Spokesperson for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, declined to comment, saying he had no information on the matter.
The resignation also sparked public reaction from Ganduje’s aide, Salihu Yakasai, who posted emotionally on X (formerly Twitter):
“TINUBU WHY, APC WHY 😢😢😢”
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad confirmed the resignation via Facebook, writing: The National Chairman of our great party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position, effective immediately, as confirmed by multiple sources.
Dalori to Take Over in Acting Capacity
Following Ganduje’s departure, the APC is expected to announce Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, as the acting National Chairman, in accordance with the party’s constitution.
“Some APC leaders met at the Presidential Villa where Dalori was affirmed as acting chairman,” a source revealed. “The party’s rules state that the Deputy Chairman from the resigning chairman’s zone will take over in an acting capacity.”
As of Friday evening, supporters and party faithful had gathered at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, awaiting an official statement from the National Working Committee (NWC).
Efforts to reach APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for official confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.