In a major shake-up within Nigeria’s ruling party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has officially stepped down as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), NewsVista has learned.
The former Kano State governor reportedly submitted his resignation on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Abuja, citing personal health concerns and the need to focus on his well-being.
However, political insiders suggest there’s more beneath the surface — and it has everything to do with the 2027 general elections.
A Calculated Exit?
While Ganduje pointed to health reasons, multiple sources told NewsVista that his resignation is part of a strategic realignment within the APC. The move is said to be aimed at appeasing aggrieved party stakeholders, particularly from the North-Central zone, which has long protested the loss of the national chairmanship.
“The pressure has been mounting for months,” a party source told Daily Nigerian, as cited by Leadership newspaper.
“Ganduje has now agreed to step aside in the party’s interest, especially as it begins early strategies for 2027.”
Ganduje’s departure is being framed as a “unifying gesture” to help stabilise the APC, address zoning grievances, and reposition the party for success ahead of the next election cycle.
Who Takes Over?
While an official announcement from the APC is still pending, NewsVista understands that one of the national vice chairmen will temporarily assume leadership until a new national chairman is elected at the APC National Convention scheduled for December 2025.
Ganduje had assumed the APC national chairmanship in August 2023, succeeding Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who also resigned under internal party pressure.
Reactions and Fallout
Ganduje’s exit has already triggered mixed reactions within APC circles and beyond.
Some see it as a smart political play to douse internal tension, while others question the health narrative and point to wider power negotiations ahead of 2027 — particularly concerning the presidential ticket and regional representation.
In a related development, the APC Solidarity and Development Forum (APC-SDF) recently defended Ganduje following a verbal clash at the APC North East Summit, describing the attack as “unwarranted” and calling for an apology.
What’s Next?
The APC is now entering a critical transition period, with eyes on who will take over the reins and how the party will navigate its zoning arrangements, internal rifts, and growing opposition ahead of a high-stakes election in 2027.
As the dust settles, political watchers say Ganduje’s resignation could be the beginning of a larger restructuring within Nigeria’s ruling party.
Stay tuned to NewsVista for verified updates and behind-the-scenes insights into this developing political story.
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