The Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bukar Dalori, has assumed the role of acting National Chairman of the ruling party, following the sudden resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje on Friday.
Naijaonpoint reports that Ganduje, who was appointed in August 2023, stepped down amid growing internal agitation and mounting calls for the return of the national chairmanship to the North Central zone, the region originally allocated the position under the APC’s zoning arrangement.
While the specific reasons for Ganduje’s resignation remain undisclosed, sources within the party hinted to Vanguard that his exit may be connected to strategic political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.
One source noted that the positioning of potential vice-presidential candidates from the North West m, Ganduje’s home zone, could have influenced the decision.
“In the event that the VP slot returns to the North West, it would be politically untenable for the party chairman to also be from the same region,” a top party figure explained. “Besides, the chairmanship is meant to be with the North Central.”
In line with Section 14(2)(iii) of the APC Constitution, Dalori is now acting as National Chairman, having been Ganduje’s deputy and hailing from the northern region.
The constitution empowers the Deputy National Chairman to assume leadership in the absence or resignation of the Chairman from his zone.
Meanwhile, there is rising speculation about who may eventually take over the position on a permanent basis.
Among the leading contenders is former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura, who is said to enjoy considerable backing within the party.
Party sources disclosed that Ganduje’s personal belongings were quietly moved from the APC national secretariat prior to the announcement, catching many staff and visitors by surprise.