BREAKING NEWS: Why Ganduje Resigned as APC National Chairman Amid Controversy

By Adeyemi Beedee Ogungbayi / Posted June 27, 2025

There was a significant shift in Nigeria’s political firmament with the sudden resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State, as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health reasons. The announcement, confirmed by multiple sources, has sent shockwaves through political landscape, with speculations linking the resignation to allegations of financial misappropriation, internal party conflicts, and ongoing legal challenges from his tenure as Kano State Governor.

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Ganduje, who assumed the APC chairmanship in August 2023, stated that he needs to focus on his well-being, prompting his decision to step down but insiders suggest that his resignation may also be a strategic move to address mounting pressures within the party and legal battles from his time as governor.

In the meantime, one of the APC’s national vice chairmen is expected to assume the role in an acting capacity until a substantive chairman is elected at the party’s national convention in December 2025.

Reports circulating on X and in various news outlets indicate that allegations of financial impropriety played a significant role in Ganduje’s resignation. Some APC members reportedly protested “excessive financial demands” imposed by his office, raising concerns about the management of party funds. These allegations echo earlier controversies from his tenure as Kano State Governor, where he faced an 11-count charge from the Kano State Government for alleged bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds amounting to billions of Naira. Although Ganduje challenged the jurisdiction of the court in May 2025, the case was dismissed, and the trial was set to proceed.

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The financial allegations are not new for Ganduje. During his governorship in Kano (2015–2023), he was embroiled in the infamous “Gandollar” scandal, where videos surfaced allegedly showing him receiving stacks of U.S. dollars as bribes. The scandal, widely discussed in Nigerian media, tarnished his reputation and continues to haunt his political career. Critics argue that the unresolved legal issues from his governorship, combined with the recent party fund allegations, may have contributed to his decision to resign.

Ganduje’s tenure as APC National Chairman was marked by significant internal party strife, particularly with Vice President Kashim Shettima. Tensions escalated during a North-East zonal meeting on June 15, 2025, when Ganduje and the APC North-East Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, conspicuously failed to endorse Shettima for a second term alongside President Bola Tinubu. This omission sparked chaos, with angry APC members harassing Ganduje, nearly leading to physical violence. Videos showed delegates attempting to storm the stage, forcing security to intervene.

The rift deepened when Shettima publicly snubbed Ganduje by refusing to shake his hand during a reception in Akwa Ibom on June 22, 2025, signaling a growing divide over the 2027 presidential running mate ticket. Insiders suggest that Ganduje’s resignation may be a “unifying gesture” to stabilize the APC and address zoning concerns, particularly from the North-Central region, which has long agitated for the chairmanship to return to their zone.

Ganduje’s resignation is also seen as a calculated move influenced by President Tinubu, with whom he met in the early hours of June 27, 2025. Kano, with over 5 million voters, remains a critical battleground for the APC’s 2027 election strategy. The defection of Ganduje’s close ally, Mustapha Hamza Buhari Bakwana, to the opposition New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on June 25, 2025, highlighted cracks in Ganduje’s political base in Kano, further complicating his leadership role.

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As the APC navigates this leadership transition, the party faces the challenge of addressing zoning disputes, rebuilding unity, and preparing for the 2027 elections. Ganduje’s exit, while abrupt, is viewed by some as an opportunity to reposition the party. However, the lingering allegations and internal divisions could pose significant hurdles.