Details have emerged on why the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, may have resigned from his position on Friday.
DIP Connects Online News reliably gathered that Ganduje stepped down due to the reported plan for former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join the APC.
By 3 p.m. on Friday, insiders at the APC national secretariat told our correspondent that Ganduje was threatening to resign over an agreement allegedly reached between President Bola Tinubu and Kwankwaso for the latter to defect to the party.
According to an insider, all principal officers of the APC, including the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, tried to persuade Ganduje not to leave.
“We are currently pleading with him (Ganduje) not to resign. He is upset that Kwankwaso is coming to the APC. I think the two of them are sworn enemies. All stakeholders are begging him to stay,” the source revealed.
However, around 4:15 p.m., the source confirmed that Ganduje had eventually resigned.
“He has finally resigned. We couldn’t stop him. I think there is something personal between him and Kwankwaso, who is now ready to join the APC after some discussions with the President,” the insider added.
When asked if there was a crisis at the party headquarters, a staff member said, “There is no crisis, just that the chairman has resigned and people gathered at the secretariat to discuss it.”
Political Rivals
Ganduje and Kwankwaso, both former governors of Kano State, were once close allies during their days in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Kwankwaso served as governor from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015, with Ganduje as his deputy during the second term.
Their relationship, however, turned sour after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso in 2015 under the APC. They have since become political rivals, often clashing over Kano’s political structure and influence.
Ganduje notably deposed Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, an appointee and loyalist of Kwankwaso. Sanusi was reinstated as Emir on May 23, 2024, by Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under Kwankwaso’s leadership.
DIP Connects Online News learned that Ganduje, who became APC National Chairman in August 2023, also cited health reasons for his decision to quit.
‘Ganduje, Shettima to be Sacrificed’
When contacted to confirm Kwankwaso’s planned defection to the APC, one of his close allies, Buba Galadima, said he was unaware of any such plan. He did, however, say he knew of a recent meeting between APC stakeholders and the presidency where it was agreed that Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima would be “sacrificed.”
Galadima stated, “I am not aware of the defection plan. However, I know Kwankwaso and Ganduje have personal issues. I am equally aware that there was a meeting of APC stakeholders and the presidency three days ago where they agreed that Ganduje and Shettima should be sacrificed to bring in a new set of people into government and the party.”
Similarly, NNPP spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, declined to comment. “I am not aware of such a move, and I can’t speak further on it for now,” he said.
One of Ganduje’s aides, Salihu Yakasai, expressed his disappointment in a post on his X handle, @Dawakiii, writing in all caps: “TINUBU WHY, APC WHY,” accompanied by three crying emojis.
A former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, also confirmed Ganduje’s resignation. On his verified Facebook page, Ahmad wrote, “The National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned from his position, effective immediately, as confirmed by multiple sources.”
When DIP Connects Online News visited the APC National Headquarters in Abuja, party supporters were seen in clusters, discussing the development and awaiting official confirmation from the National Working Committee (NWC).
Dalori as Acting Chairman
Meanwhile, the APC is set to announce its Deputy Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, as the Acting National Chairman following Ganduje’s exit. A source explained, “Some APC leaders met at the Presidential Villa, where Ali Dalori was announced as the Acting National Chairman, in accordance with the party’s constitution.
“According to the constitution, when the Chairman resigns, the Deputy Chairman from his zone — in this case, the Deputy Chairman (North) — assumes the position in an acting capacity.”
Attempts by DIP Connects Online News to reach APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for confirmation or comments were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.
ADEOLA KUNLE
