Ganduje Resigns as APC National Chairman, Cites Health Reasons Amidst Mounting Pressure

The National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has officially resigned from his position, citing health concerns as his reason for stepping down. His resignation, effective immediately, was confirmed by multiple credible sources within the party on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Ganduje, who previously served as Governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023, took over as APC National Chairman in August 2023 amid a wave of internal controversies. On Friday, the APC national secretariat in Abuja was gripped by tension, with party supporters milling around in clusters, awaiting official confirmation from the National Working Committee (NWC).

Though the APC leadership has yet to make a formal announcement, a reliable insider revealed to our correspondent, “Yes, Ganduje has resigned, and most of his personal belongings have been moved from the APC national secretariat. The NWC will soon confirm this and announce an acting replacement.”

Health Concerns or Political Pressure?

While Ganduje’s resignation letter attributes his decision to his deteriorating health and a desire to prioritize his well-being, political insiders suggest that deeper undercurrents may have influenced his exit. Persistent zoning disputes, especially agitations from the North Central zone—which has long argued that the chairmanship is their rightful turn—reportedly played a significant role.

Further complicating Ganduje’s tenure were allegations of financial impropriety. Several APC aspirants, especially those vying for area council positions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had accused his leadership of imposing exorbitant fees for nomination forms. This fueled widespread discontent among party faithful.

In April 2024, Ganduje was temporarily restrained by a Kano State High Court from parading himself as a party member, following internal disputes. Though a Federal High Court in Abuja later dismissed a related suit seeking his removal, the episodes left scars on his leadership.

What’s Next for the APC after Ganduge resignation ?

With Ganduje’s sudden exit, the APC is expected to appoint an acting National Chairman from among its national vice chairmen. This interim leader will steer the party until the national convention scheduled for December 2025, where a substantive chairman will be elected.

A top official within the party told our correspondent, “The National Working Committee will meet soon to formalize the transition plan. Maintaining party unity ahead of 2027 is now our top priority.”

Political analysts believe Ganduje’s resignation is a strategic retreat that could help douse internal tensions and reposition the party for the next general elections. However, whether this move will indeed stabilize the APC remains to be seen.

Reactions Flood Social Media and Political Circles

News of Ganduje’s resignation has ignited a firestorm on social media, with reactions pouring in from both supporters and critics. Members of the opposition, particularly the Kwankwasiyya movement, have seized the moment to celebrate what they describe as the “fall of an empire.”

A staunch supporter of Vice President Kashim Shettima and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Engr. Bashir Bukar Muhammad, posted, “The prayer is beginning to work.” Similarly, Hassan Cikinza Rano, Ganduje’s former Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture, wrote under a picture with the ex-chairman, “It is certain, politics is harder than being in the army.”

Hon. Abbah Bari added fuel to the speculation with a cryptic post: “A certain political calculation only by Ganduje and Asiwaju. Honestly, what has been planned for Kano politics, if someone merely told you about it, you wouldn’t believe it. Just wait and watch.”

A Tumultuous Tenure Comes to an End

Ganduje’s tenure was characterized by fierce legal battles, internal strife, and allegations that constantly tested his leadership. His assumption of the APC’s top position in 2023 was itself controversial, with significant pushback from the North Central region, which felt sidelined in the zoning arrangement.

His resignation, while framed around health concerns, underscores the growing internal friction within the APC as it grapples with preparing for the 2027 general elections. Whether this leadership change brings the stability the party desperately needs—or deepens its internal fractures—will become clearer in the coming months.

The political spotlight now shifts to the APC’s December convention, where the ruling party will chart its future course with the election of a new substantive national chairman.