Peter Obi Breaks Silence After Sudden APC Shake-Up

In a rare show of bipartisan civility, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has on Saturday, June 28, 2025, extended public commendation to Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, following the latter’s resignation as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ganduje, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape and a former governor of Kano State, formally submitted his resignation letter to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday through the APC’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.

Reacting to the news via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi acknowledged the gravity of Ganduje’s decision.

He also praised him for placing personal well-being above political ambition.

According to Obi, the decision reflected rare foresight and integrity, qualities he believes are desperately needed in Nigerian leadership today.

“I must commend Ganduje for prioritizing his health above all else,” Obi wrote, referencing media reports that attributed the resignation to health challenges.

“With his health reportedly in decline, it is both wise and honourable to step aside, knowing that he may no longer be able to render the level of service required by the party, the people, and the nation,” Obi continued.

The former Anambra State governor went further to frame Ganduje’s resignation not as a personal retreat but as a leadership model others should emulate.

“By this exemplary action, Ganduje has thrown a challenge to other leaders who, due to health-related issues, are no longer able to deliver optimally.

“I sincerely hope they take a cue from him,” he added.

Obi’s remarks underscore his long-standing position on the need for active, responsive, and physically capable leadership at all levels of governance.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Obi had stressed that Nigeria’s numerous socio-economic and security challenges require more than ceremonial leadership.

According to Obi, they demand leaders who are both mentally and physically prepared to confront crises head-on.

In his post, he reinforced this position with a pointed critique of what he sees as a troubling trend in Nigerian politics: leaders clinging to office despite evident limitations.

“At this critical point and difficult time, we can no longer afford leadership defined by medical tourism, long holidays, or absenteeism caused by age-related ailments,” he warned.

“These things are taking a serious toll on our development. May God Almighty grant Dr Ganduje a peaceful and fulfilling retirement,” Obi concluded.

The significance of Obi’s remarks cannot be overstated.

In a political climate often characterized by intense rivalry and harsh rhetoric, his decision to publicly acknowledge Ganduje’s resignation in a positive light offers a breath of fresh air.

It reflects a mature political culture where constructive criticism and commendation can coexist, even across party lines.

Moreover, his message carries a deeper implication for the broader political class.

The message is that leadership is a trust, not a birthright, and that stepping aside when no longer able to fulfill one’s responsibilities is not weakness, but strength.

For Ganduje, who has had a long and eventful political career, this resignation marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Though the reasons for his departure have been framed around health concerns, the manner in which it was handled—quietly, formally, and without drama, has set a precedent.

And for Peter Obi, this moment served as an opportunity not just to commend a political opponent, but to advocate for a higher standard of governance.

One defined by capacity, integrity, and above all, accountability.

In a nation searching for direction, such gestures, though small, contribute to a more respectful and responsible political culture.

Whether other leaders heed the “challenge” thrown by Ganduje’s resignation remains to be seen.

But for now, the message is clear: effective leadership begins with self-awareness, and sometimes, the most honorable service is knowing when to step aside.

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