Abdullahi Ganduje has resigned as APC national chairman, citing health reasons, but sources say political tensions are rising.
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has resigned as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective immediately.
In his resignation letter, the former Kano State governor cited health issues as the cause for his departure, stating that he needs to prioritize his own well-being.
Ganduje, who took up the job in August 2023 when Abdullahi Adamu resigned, leaves at a time when the ruling party’s internal divisions are widening. His term was characterized by legal difficulties, leadership disagreements, and growing unhappiness among party stakeholders.
Although Ganduje publicly cited health reasons, several party insiders have linked his departure to ongoing political pressure and internal unhappiness. His leadership has apparently come under increased criticism due to suspicions of financial malfeasance, including complaints about high fees imposed on applicants, notably those running for FCT area council elections.
During his tenure in power, the struggling party leader was also involved in legal disputes. Following a legal challenge by certain state party executives, an ex parte injunction banning him from identifying as an APC member was given in April 2024 by the Kano State High Court.
Despite the fact that the APC North Central Forum’s separate petition demanding his ouster was denied by a Federal High Court in Abuja, there was still uneasiness within the party.
As of press time, the APC had not issued a formal statement confirming Ganduje’s resignation or detailing the party’s next moves.