• Amid alleged pressure from Aso Rock
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing health concerns as the reason for his sudden departure.
Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, reportedly submitted his resignation letter late on Wednesday, declaring that he needed to devote time and attention to his personal well-being.
According to sources close to the party leadership, the letter was addressed to the National Secretary of the APC and was delivered at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
“I have decided to step down to focus on my health,” Ganduje reportedly stated in the letter, adding that the decision was made in the best interest of the party and his personal welfare.
However, while the official reason given is related to his health, insider sources have indicated that the resignation may have been the result of mounting pressure from the Presidency.
One party source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the former chairman was “practically compelled” to resign, following weeks of high-level consultations and internal discontent over his continued leadership.
Ganduje’s tenure as APC National Chairman, which began less than two years ago, has been marked by internal wrangling, factional disputes, and controversies, particularly surrounding his leadership style and recent developments in his home state of Kano.
His position had become increasingly tenuous following his suspension by a faction of the party in Kano and allegations of corruption dating back to his time as governor.
The APC is yet to make an official statement on the resignation or name a replacement.
However, party stakeholders are expected to convene an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in the coming days to deliberate on the leadership vacuum and chart a way forward.
Ganduje’s resignation marks a significant shake-up within the ruling party’s hierarchy, raising fresh questions about unity and direction ahead of crucial political contests in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
