Ganduje Quits APC Chair: What Has Kwankwaso Got To Do With It?

Fresh revelations have emerged regarding the dramatic resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, June 28, 2025.

Multiple sources within the party confirmed that the sudden decision may have been triggered by a political development that deeply unsettled the former Kano State governor.

They refer to the reported move by his long-time rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to join the APC.

By mid-afternoon on Friday, the APC National Secretariat in Abuja was abuzz with reports that Ganduje was contemplating stepping down.

This was purportedly over an agreement allegedly brokered between President Bola Tinubu and Kwankwaso.

The deal, according to insiders, could see the influential NNPP leader defect to the APC, a move Ganduje reportedly found unacceptable.

A senior official at the secretariat told Saturday PUNCH, “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.”

Despite the efforts by top party leaders, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, to calm the situation, the damage seemed done.

At around 4:15 p.m., the same insider confirmed that Ganduje had made his decision final.

“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 disclosed.

A staff member at the APC headquarters attempted to downplay the tension, saying, “There is no crisis, just that the chairman has resigned and people gathered at the secretariat to discuss about it.”

A Bitter Rivalry Rooted in Kano Politics

Ganduje and Kwankwaso’s political journey is one marked by a sharp fall from alliance to animosity.

Once comrades in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the two served together when Kwankwaso was governor (2011–2015) and Ganduje was his deputy.

But after Ganduje took over as governor in 2015 under the APC, their relationship quickly soured, leading to a fierce rivalry over Kano’s political dominance.

Their enmity intensified when Ganduje dethroned Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II in 2020, a monarch appointed by Kwankwaso and viewed as his loyalist.

However, in a twist of fate, Sanusi was reinstated on May 23, 2024, by NNPP’s Abba Yusuf, a protégé of Kwankwaso, after regaining power in Kano.

Although Ganduje publicly cited health reasons for his resignation, insiders believe the real motivation was his discontent over the potential reentry of Kwankwaso into the APC fold.

Alleged Moves to “Sacrifice” Party Leaders

Speaking on the swirling rumors, Buba Galadima, a close associate of Kwankwaso, denied knowledge of any plan for his ally to defect.

Yet, he offered a striking revelation.

“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,” Galadima said.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, chose to remain tight-lipped, saying, “I am not aware of such a move, and I can’t speak further on it for now.”

Adding to the drama, Salihu Yakasai, one of Ganduje’s aides, posted an emotional reaction on his X (formerly Twitter) account: “TINUBU WHY, APC WHY.”

This was accompanied by three crying emojis, a clear expression of disappointment over the unfolding events.

Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, also confirmed the resignation.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, he wrote:

“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.”

Party Reacts, Dalori to Step In

In the wake of Ganduje’s departure, the APC is set to name Deputy Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, as the Acting National Chairman.

According to sources, this succession aligns with the party’s constitution, which mandates that a chairman from the North be replaced in acting capacity by his regional deputy.

“Some APC leaders met at the Presidential Villa, where Ali Dalori was announced as the acting National Chairman, in accordance with the party’s constitution,” a party insider revealed.

“According to the constitution, when the Chairman resigns, the Deputy Chairman from his zone, in this case, the Deputy Chairman (North), assumes the position in an acting capacity.”

When reporters visited the APC headquarters, party loyalists were seen huddled in discussions, awaiting official confirmation from the National Working Committee.

However, efforts to reach APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for a statement proved futile as calls went unanswered.

As speculation continues to swirl around Kwankwaso’s possible defection and the internal calculations within the APC, Ganduje’s exit signals a deeper reshuffling at the top, one that could reshape the party’s future ahead of 2027.

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