Ganduje’s Loyalists Lament Resignation As APC Begins Search For Successor

The sudden resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked mixed reactions within the party, with his loyalists expressing disappointment and warning of potential consequences for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This comes as fresh calls emerge from stakeholders in the North-Central geopolitical zone, demanding that the chairmanship position be zoned to the region.

Some loyalists of the former Kano governor, particularly from his home state, have decried the development, describing it as “disappointing” and “ill-timed.”

Naijaonpoint understands that Ganduje assumed the top job in the APC in August 2023, following the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. His departure on Friday was officially attributed to health concerns, according to party spokesperson Felix Morka.

However, Sunday Punch investigations revealed that Ganduje’s resignation may be connected to behind-the-scenes political moves involving his long-time rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Insiders at the APC national secretariat disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has been in discussions with Kwankwaso over a potential defection to the APC, a move many believe would be difficult to execute with Ganduje still at the helm of party affairs.

In the wake of the resignation, prominent voices from the North-Central have intensified lobbying efforts to reclaim the party’s chairmanship, a position that was traditionally zoned to the region before Ganduje’s controversial appointment in 2023.

The North-Central, comprising Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states, contributed significantly to Tinubu’s presidential victory in 2023, delivering a combined total of 1,760,993 votes.

NWC Meets Monday As Dalori Takes Over In Acting Capacity

In the interim, the party has named Deputy National Chairman (North), Bukar Dalori, as Acting National Chairman.

The APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to meet on Monday to deliberate on Ganduje’s replacement and broader political strategies ahead of 2027.

A top official said, “The NWC will hold a special meeting on Monday to discuss the matter, among other political calculations. That meeting will pave the way for a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where the final decision will be taken.”

One of Ganduje’s loyalists, Sulaiman Ibrahim, who spoke on his resignation, said, “Ganduje’s exit as APC National Chairman is disappointing, especially given the progress he made in attracting opposition members back to the party. Overall, it feels like a setback for the APC.

“It isn’t a betrayal but a result of pressure on President Tinubu, since the position was originally meant for the North-Central and only given to Ganduje as a favour.”

Another supporter, Usman Garba, said he was disappointed by Ganduje’s exit.

“I feel disappointed after the news of Ganduje’s resignation, but if this decision will strengthen the APC and provide a better new appointment for him, it is understandable. Politics is a game of interest, and I can’t call it betrayal because it’s a matter of zoning, reshaping, and balancing,” he stated.

Garba ruled out any protest in Kano over the development.

He, however, cautioned against trusting Kwankwaso, whose reported plan to join the APC had caused tension among members in the state.

“Kwankwaso should never be trusted again because history repeats itself. He betrayed former President Goodluck Jonathan and did the same to former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is very risky to build your party around Kwankwaso, only for him to defect when you need him the most,” he warned.

Another loyalist, Umar Idris, said he was not pleased with the development.

A member of the APC in the state, Gaddafi Shafi’u, said Ganduje’s resignation might be part of a political arrangement to position the party for victory in 2027.

“It may be a plan to replace Kashim Shettima with Kwankwaso, as part of a political strategy. They were sacrificed to promote the APC,” he said.

Also, a former Senior Adviser to Ganduje, Faizu Alfindiki, described the resignation as “both historic and deeply personal.”