Ganduje Resigns as APC National Chairman Amid Kwankwaso's Possible Defection

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stepped down from his role on Friday, citing tensions surrounding former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso's rumored move to join the party.

Sources close to the APC confirmed that Ganduje’s resignation was largely prompted by discussions between President Bola Tinubu and Kwankwaso regarding his potential defection. By 3 p.m. on Friday, party insiders revealed that Ganduje had threatened to quit, frustrated by the possible inclusion of his longtime political rival into the APC.

“It’s personal for Ganduje,” one insider explained. “He and Kwankwaso have a history. All the top officials, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, tried to talk him out of resigning. But by 4:15 p.m., he had made up his mind.”

Despite efforts to convince him otherwise, Ganduje officially resigned, making it clear that the rift with Kwankwaso was at the heart of his decision. The tension stems from a complex, long-standing political rivalry between the two men, who were once close allies in the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Their relationship soured after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor of Kano in 2015 under the APC banner, setting off years of political conflict.

One notable flashpoint in their rivalry was Ganduje's controversial removal of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, who was believed to be aligned with Kwankwaso. However, Sanusi was reinstated in May 2024 under the leadership of Governor Abba Yusuf, a key figure in Kwankwaso’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Although Ganduje’s resignation was linked to Kwankwaso’s APC defection, allies of both men have denied direct involvement. Buba Galadima, a close associate of Kwankwaso, expressed uncertainty over the defection rumors but noted a different political agenda. He claimed there had been a recent meeting involving APC and presidential stakeholders discussing a major overhaul of the party, which included “sacrificing” figures like Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima to usher in fresh leadership.

While the APC has yet to officially comment on Kwankwaso’s possible defection, the party quickly moved to fill the vacancy left by Ganduje’s resignation. Ali Dalori, the party's Deputy Chairman for the North, is set to take on the role of Acting National Chairman in accordance with the APC’s constitution.

Supporters of the APC gathered at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, awaiting official confirmation of the leadership change. Some insiders speculated that the shift could signal a significant power struggle within the party, as old alliances are tested by new political realities.

Although Ganduje’s resignation came as a surprise to many, the unfolding drama points to a deeper struggle for dominance within the APC and reflects the high-stakes political maneuvering at play in Nigeria’s current political climate.

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