New information has surfaced explaining the resignation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, which took place on Friday. According to sources close to the party, Ganduje stepped down due to tensions surrounding the reported plan for former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join the APC.
By 3 p.m. on Friday, insiders at the APC national secretariat revealed that Ganduje was threatening to resign following an agreement between President Bola Tinubu and Kwankwaso for the latter’s entry into the party. Efforts were made by all principal officers, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, to dissuade Ganduje from quitting. “We are currently pleading with him (Ganduje) not to resign. He is upset that Kwankwaso is coming to the APC. I think the two of them are sworn enemies. All the stakeholders are begging him to stay,” an insider told okay.ng
However, by 4:15 p.m., Ganduje had officially resigned, with sources indicating the decision was irreversible. “He has eventually resigned. We couldn’t stop him. I think there is something personal between him and Kwankwaso, who is ready to join the APC after some discussions with the President,” the source added.
When questioned about any crisis at the APC secretariat, a staff member downplayed the situation, stating, “There is no crisis, just that the chairman has resigned and people gathered at the secretariat to discuss about it.”
Ganduje and Kwankwaso share a complex political history. Both former governors of Kano State, they were once allies during their time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Kwankwaso as governor and Ganduje as his deputy from 2011 to 2015. Their relationship soured after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor under the APC in 2015, turning them into political rivals battling for influence in Kano.
A notable point of contention was Ganduje’s removal of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, a figure believed loyal to Kwankwaso. Sanusi was reinstated in May 2024 by Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, led by Kwankwaso.
Though Ganduje cited health reasons for his resignation, political undercurrents are evident. When asked about Kwankwaso’s move to the APC, his ally Buba Galadima expressed ignorance but revealed knowledge of a meeting where Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima were reportedly to be “sacrificed” to allow new leadership in the party.
Galadima stated, “I am not aware of the defection plan. However, I know Kwankwaso and Ganduje have personal issues. I am equally aware that there was a meeting of APC stakeholders and the presidency three days ago where they agreed that Ganduje and Shettima should be sacrificed to bring a new set of people into government and the party.”
The NNPP spokesperson declined to comment on Kwankwaso’s potential defection.
On social media, Ganduje’s aide Salihu Yakasai expressed dismay with the resignation, tweeting, “TINUBU WHY, APC WHY,” accompanied by crying emojis.
Bashir Ahmad, former media aide to ex-President Buhari, confirmed Ganduje’s resignation on Facebook, stating, “The National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position, effective immediately, as confirmed by multiple sources.”
Following Ganduje’s exit, the APC is poised to appoint Deputy Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, as Acting National Chairman, in line with the party constitution. Party supporters gathered at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja, awaiting official confirmation from the National Working Committee.
Attempts to reach APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka for comment were unsuccessful.
