Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori from Borno State has been sworn in to take over as the Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the sudden and inexplicable resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman.
He was said to have been sworn in at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, at an event witnessed by National Working Committee (NWC) members.
A long-awaited statement was released by the party’s spokesman, Mr. Felix Morka a little over 10.35 p.m. confirming Ganduje’s departure. it reads in full:
APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ABDULLAHI UMAR GANDUJE, RESIGNS
The All Progressives Congress (APC) wishes to announce the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, (CON), as the National Chairman of our great Party. His resignation, which is effective immediately, was offered to enable him attend to urgent and important personal matters.
In his letter of resignation addressed to the National Working Committee (NWC) through the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Dr. Ganduje expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the opportunity to serve the Party at the highest level.
The President has directed the Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, to assume the position of Acting National Chairman, pending the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party to be summoned immediately to fill the vacancy created by the resignation.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, assumed leadership of our great Party in August 2023, following the resignation of his predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.
Throughout his tenure, he dedicated himself to strengthening Party unity and cohesion, expounding its democratic ideals, and enhancing the Party’s electoral competitiveness. The confidence placed in him by the Party’s NEC and National Caucus meetings in February 2025 was a profound recognition and honour for his service.
He leaves his position as National Chairman with great pride in our collective achievements, including successful defections from opposition parties and legal affirmations of our Party leadership’s legitimacy.
We assure all Party faithful that we remain steadfast and unwavering in our mission to deliver transformative governance for all Nigerians, in line with President Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda.
The National Working Committee (NWC) extends its gratitude to Dr. Ganduje for his invaluable contributions and distinguished record of service to our great Party.
We pray for his good health, and success in his future endeavours in service of the nation and humanity.
Recall that a loud official silence greeted a trending report that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing his turbulent tenure to an abrupt end. His resignation, though yet to be formally acknowledged by the party’s national secretariat, reportedly took effect early Friday morning and is widely believed to have been influenced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Before Morka’s late night confirmation, no official reason was given for the sudden departure of the former Kano State governor, but party insiders suggested the decision followed mounting pressure from within the APC’s inner circle. Aides were seen packing Ganduje’s personal belongings from his office at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, while his official portrait was also removed—a clear indication of a swift transition.
The portrait of the National Chairman was said to have been removed from his office alongside his personal effects.
Ganduje, a close ally of President Tinubu, was appointed APC national chairman on August 3, 2023, following the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. His appointment, however, was marred by controversy. The North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, filed a lawsuit challenging his selection, arguing that the position—previously held by a North Central leader—should not have shifted to the North West, where Ganduje hails from. That case was dismissed by the Federal High Court in Abuja in September 2024.
Despite lingering tensions within the party, Ganduje continued to appear at high-profile events. Just a day before his resignation, he participated in the quarterly consultative meeting between INEC and political parties. He also led an APC delegation to Niger State for a condolence visit following the Mokwa flood disaster that claimed over 200 lives—appearances that initially seemed to downplay any rumors of his departure.
Nonetheless, reports suggest that cracks within the party had deepened in recent months. Discontent among northern stakeholders, questions over his leadership style, and concerns about internal consistency—particularly regarding cited health issues—contributed to growing frustration with his chairmanship.
Adding to the speculation of a negotiated exit, Ganduje was appointed in January 2025 as board chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), potentially signaling a soft landing orchestrated by the presidency.
As the APC grapples with the fallout, party insiders indicate that one of the national vice chairmen may assume leadership in an acting capacity until the party’s national convention in December 2025.
Ganduje’s tenure, though short, was defined by attempts to stabilise the APC after the 2023 general elections. However, his controversial political past and internal party disputes overshadowed much of his leadership. His exit comes at a time when the APC faces increasing scrutiny over national insecurity, economic hardship, and internal divisions.
Whether this development signals a broader leadership shake-up or a strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections remains to be seen. What is certain is that the race to redefine the APC’s future has already begun.
