A major political shakeup has hit Nigeria’s ruling party as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has officially resigned from his position, effective immediately. The former Kano State governor stepped down on Friday, June 27, 2025, citing health concerns as the reason behind his sudden decision.
Confirmation of Ganduje’s resignation first surfaced on social media through Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ahmad stated, “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.”
Ganduje’s tenure as APC National Chairman has been turbulent, marked by internal wranglings, factional disputes, and growing calls for leadership restructuring within the party. Party insiders say his resignation was not entirely unexpected, especially following reports of behind-the-scenes pressure from senior APC stakeholders dissatisfied with the party’s recent performance in several states.
Sources within the APC National Secretariat in Abuja revealed that Ganduje submitted his resignation letter to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) early Friday morning before leaving for a private medical trip outside Nigeria. The letter, according to insiders, referenced “personal health challenges” and the need for “extended medical rest.”
Political analysts believe Ganduje’s exit will trigger a fierce succession battle within the APC, with zoning debates and regional power plays already dominating party conversations. Several chieftains from the North Central and South West zones are reportedly positioning themselves as potential successors.
Calls for an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting are growing louder as the party scrambles to manage the leadership vacuum. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum is expected to step in temporarily pending formal ratification of a new substantive chairman.
As reactions continue to pour in from APC loyalists and opposition voices alike, social media remains abuzz with speculation over Ganduje’s political future and what this sudden resignation means for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
