Former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has stepped down as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing an abrupt end to his controversial tenure.
Ganduje, who took over the party’s leadership in August 2023 after the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, said in his resignation letter that he was leaving the position to focus on his health.
However, sources within the ruling party believe his resignation may be connected to growing internal pressure and dissatisfaction over his leadership style and recent controversies. His time as chairman was marked by several legal battles, internal disagreements, and accusations of financial misconduct.
One of the major issues under his watch was the backlash over high nomination fees charged during the FCT area council elections, which angered many party members. He also faced a court order from a Kano High Court in April 2024, barring him from identifying as an APC member—a case brought by some party officials from his home state. Although another case seeking his removal was dismissed in Abuja, tensions within the party did not ease.
Ganduje’s resignation comes at a time the APC is battling internal rifts and trying to maintain unity ahead of upcoming elections.
As of the time of filing this report, the APC has not issued an official statement confirming his resignation or naming a replacement. Party stakeholders and political observers are watching closely to see how the ruling party will handle this leadership vacuum.