In a dramatic twist that could reshape the political landscape ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although the former Kano State governor officially cited health concerns, political insiders believe the real trigger was a high-level political deal involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ganduje’s long-time rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The announcement came on Friday, sending shockwaves through the APC hierarchy. In his resignation letter, Ganduje expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, according to APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. With his exit, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori of Borno State, has been named acting chairman pending the election of a substantive replacement.
But beyond the formalities lies a deeper story of political intrigue.
The Tinubu-Kwankwaso Equation
Multiple sources close to the APC leadership confirm that Ganduje’s resignation was precipitated by an unfolding rapprochement between President Tinubu and Kwankwaso, a key opposition figure and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The deal reportedly includes plans for Kwankwaso to defect to the ruling APC ahead of the next elections, a move that may be aimed at strengthening Tinubu’s northern base and building a broader coalition for 2027.
The idea of reconciling with Kwankwaso, however, struck a raw nerve with Ganduje, who has a long and often bitter history with his former boss turned adversary.
Enemies Within: A Bitter Rivalry Rekindled
Once political allies under the PDP in the early 2000s, the Ganduje-Kwankwaso relationship disintegrated after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor of Kano State in 2015 under the APC. Since then, the two have been locked in an intense rivalry for control of Kano’s political soul.
Their clash reached a boiling point in 2020 with the controversial dethronement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, a known Kwankwaso loyalist, during Ganduje’s tenure. The tables turned in May 2024 when Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, an NNPP member and Kwankwaso ally, reinstated Sanusi as Emir, signaling a resurgence of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
It is in this combustible context that Ganduje reportedly submitted his resignation. According to sources at the APC national secretariat, the embattled chairman began threatening to quit as early as 3 p.m. on Friday after learning of Tinubu’s talks with Kwankwaso. Despite efforts by senior party officials, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, to dissuade him, confirmation of his exit emerged shortly after 4:15 p.m.
“He has eventually resigned. We couldn’t stop him,” a party insider admitted. “I think there is something personal between him and Kwankwaso.”
What Next for the APC?
Reactions within the APC have ranged from calm to cautious optimism. “There is no crisis,” said one staff member at the party secretariat, attempting to downplay the situation. “Just that the chairman has resigned and people gathered to discuss it.”
Yet, the implications are hard to ignore. Ganduje’s resignation comes amid broader moves by President Tinubu to recalibrate his political machinery for 2027. According to Buba Galadima, a close ally of Kwankwaso, a high-level meeting between the APC leadership and the presidency was recently held, where it was allegedly agreed that Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima should be “sacrificed” to allow for new political entrants.
While Galadima claimed ignorance of a formal defection plan, his comments hinted at serious undercurrents: “I know Kwankwaso and Ganduje have personal issues. But I am also aware that there was a meeting where some decisions were made to bring new people into government and the party.”
Opposition Mobilises
Meanwhile, the opposition is not sitting idle. Key figures from the 2023 elections, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, are said to be exploring a coalition to unseat the APC. With realignments already underway, Ganduje’s resignation may be the first of many political moves in what promises to be a heated build-up to 2027.
As Nigeria’s political chessboard shifts once again, one thing is clear: the road to 2027 has already begun, and it’s anything but predictable.
Well it is very unfair that our so political leaders in the country don't care about our welfare, all they care for is their selves only, look at hunger, insecurities, banditries, kidnappings all over.
ReplyDeleteThey are plotting towards 2027, how are they sure of their lives?