Ganduje Bows Out As APC Chairman Amid Kwankwaso’s Alleged Defection Plot

The sudden resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked intense political speculation, with emerging reports linking his exit to the alleged planned defection of his longtime rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the ruling party.

Ganduje, a former two-term Governor of Kano State, reportedly submitted his resignation letter on Friday to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. While initial accounts attributed his decision to health concerns, insiders say there’s more than meets the eye.

A party source familiar with the matter confided in The Eaglesforesight that Ganduje’s departure was tied to Kwankwaso’s expected entry into the APC from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — a move allegedly sanctioned by key figures within the presidency.

“Except there’s a sudden U-turn, Kwankwaso’s defection to the APC has been finalized. The arrangement is almost complete,” the source stated, adding that Ganduje’s resistance to the move left him politically isolated.

“Ganduje and Kwankwaso have remained bitter political rivals for years. But Kwankwaso’s entry is viewed as strategic by the APC leadership, especially with the 2027 elections in sight. Rather than welcome his rival, Ganduje chose to step down.”

Recommended News:

• Meet Stanford-Trained Engineer And Tech Entrepreneur, Michael Adewale Adesanya Who Declares For Remo Federal House Seat
• By-Election: Ex-Ogun Lawmaker, Solomon Osho Joins Race, Declares Bid For Remo Federal Constituency Seat
• Princess Elegbeji Lauds Ogijo’s Cultural Heritage, Reaffirms Governor Abiodun’s Commitment At Vibrant Ojude Oba Festival

The development is also fueling fresh rumours of a 2027 power reshuffle, with speculations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with Kwankwaso on the ticket, citing the latter’s influence in Northern Nigeria.

Although the Presidency has yet to comment on the rumoured reshuffling, some APC stakeholders argue that Kwankwaso offers stronger electoral capital, particularly in the North-West — a key battleground in upcoming elections.

As the APC navigates these internal shifts and looming realignments, analysts say Ganduje’s resignation may mark the beginning of a broader political recalibration within Nigeria’s ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.