The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed the resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as its National Chairman, effective immediately.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed the resignation of its National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, amid swirling political undercurrents and internal party realignments.

Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, stepped down from his position on Friday, June 27, 2025, citing health concerns. His resignation letter was submitted to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) through the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.

In a statement released Friday night, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka confirmed the development, describing the resignation as effective immediately.

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“Dr. Ganduje has decided to step down to attend to urgent and important personal matters. Throughout his tenure, he dedicated himself to strengthening the party’s unity and cohesion, expounding its democratic ideals and enhancing the party’s electoral competitiveness,” Morka stated.

Morka also acknowledged Ganduje’s contributions to the party’s recent achievements, including high-profile defections from opposition parties and favourable court rulings affirming the APC’s internal leadership structure.

He further noted that the confidence expressed in Ganduje during the party’s NEC and caucus meetings in February 2025 showed the trust and appreciation for his leadership.

In a swift response to the leadership vacuum, President Bola Tinubu reportedly directed Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North), to assume the position of acting National Chairman with immediate effect. The president also instructed Dalori to urgently convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to begin the process of appointing a substantive chairman.

While the official explanation for Ganduje’s exit remains centred on health issues, political observers have pointed to deeper intrigues within the ruling party. Speculation is rife that Ganduje’s resignation may be part of a larger political strategy to facilitate the return of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), to the APC.

Though unconfirmed, sources close to the presidency suggest that the move could be aimed at consolidating APC’s strength in the North ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, Morka reassured party members and the public that the APC remains committed to delivering on the “Renewed Hope Agenda” under President Tinubu’s administration.