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The Presidency, via Special Adviser to the President on Publicity and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated on Friday that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, resigned for health reasons.
Sources within the party indicate that Ganduje submitted his resignation letter amid significant political maneuvering within the Presidency.
The former governor of Kano has been under pressure due to recent corruption allegations from party members.
Additionally, the potential shift of NNPP leader, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the APC is another reason for Ganduje's discomfort, prompting his resignation.
Another perspective from party officials suggests President Tinubu has been making discreet efforts to replace Ganduje with someone from the North Central, possibly due to Ganduje's alleged corrupt activities.
Reports indicate that President Tinubu has begun to worry about securing his second term, recognizing Ganduje's inability to influence Kano voters for the 2027 elections.
Sources suggest that Tinubu is allegedly persuaded that Kwankwaso, whose potential move to the APC has been discussed, possesses the necessary support to help the President in Kano.
A senior APC National Headquarters source, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Kwankwaso allegedly set conditions for his return to the APC, which included the resignation of Ganduje as National Chairman.
The source further stated that Kwankwaso purportedly promised to bring his NNPP structure in Kano, including the governor, into the APC, contingent upon Ganduje's departure.
While the source did not mention Kwankwaso’s possible Vice Presidential aspirations, other sources hinted that it might be part of Kwankwaso's proposals to President Tinubu. Although Ganduje cited health reasons for his resignation, an official from Kano State's APC, who asked to remain unnamed, confirmed that Ganduje indeed resigned on health grounds.
The official remarked, “While it is true that Ganduje has resigned, it's important to understand that the President cannot risk his second-term prospects by leaving a whole zone, the North Central, without representation."
They added, “Ganduje's resignation is a common occurrence in party leadership transitions towards victory; similar events have happened with several chairmen in both PDP and APC."
Onanuga stated that, “Ganduje has resigned for health reasons, and President Tinubu appreciates his contributions to the party and the nation.”
Onanuga declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the former Kano governor's departure from the party leadership.
Furthermore, Ganduje reportedly resigned citing health concerns and a desire to prioritize his well-being. Attempts to reach members of the APC's National Working Committee for comments on the situation were unsuccessful.
Those contacted, including National Publicity Secretary Mr. Felix Morka and National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Bashir Ajibola, had their phones switched off.
Onanuga's acknowledgment of the resignation was also supported by a post from former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, who confirmed Ganduje’s resignation from his position, effective immediately, as corroborated by multiple sources.
Despite this, party insiders suggest Ganduje's resignation may relate to the pressure within the party for a member to take over and complete the tenure of former chairman Adamu Abdullahi.
“I believe the departure is influenced by the intense pressure on our former chairman to step aside and allow someone from North Central to finish Alhaji Abdullahi's term,” said an unnamed member of the APC National Working Committee.
They further noted that the move aims to instill confidence among party members from that region, especially since the North West, where Ganduje hails from, has been adequately accommodated in terms of position and government appointments.
“While the NorthWest secured key roles such as deputy senate president and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the NorthCentral has not received fair recognition for their support of the APC.”
It is anticipated that one of the APC's national vice chairmen will assume Ganduje's role, but a permanent chairman is expected to be appointed at the party's national convention scheduled for December.
