Ganduje Resigns as APC National Chairman

Former Governor of Kano, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health concerns. His resignation, which takes immediate effect, comes less than two years after he assumed the party’s top leadership role.

Ganduje, who served as the Governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023, was elected APC National Chairman in August 2023, during a turbulent period marked by internal divisions within the ruling party. While his official resignation letter attributes the decision to a need to prioritise his health, insiders suggest deeper political undercurrents and internal resistance played a significant role in his exit.

Sources within the APC point to growing discontent over Ganduje’s leadership style, especially concerning financial matters. Allegations of excessive monetary demands imposed on party aspirants had been a source of friction, particularly among those seeking tickets for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections. Several members had openly criticised what they described as exploitative practices under Ganduje’s chairmanship.

The former governor’s tenure at the party helm was also dogged by legal battles and factional opposition. In April 2024, a Kano State High Court issued an ex parte order barring Ganduje from identifying as an APC member, following internal disputes brought by some party executives. Although a Federal High Court in Abuja later struck out a separate suit filed by the APC North Central Forum seeking his removal, the turbulence highlighted the fragile unity within the party during his leadership.

Ganduje’s sudden departure now leaves a vacuum in the party’s hierarchy, and political observers are closely watching for the APC’s next move. As of the time of this report, the party has not released an official statement, fuelling further speculation about the true nature of the resignation and the possible emergence of a successor.