“Ganduje resigns from APC over Tinubu, Kwankwaso deal” – Sources
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, reportedly resigned from his position over an alleged agreement for former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join the ruling party.
Ganduje’s resignation, confirmed by top party insiders on Friday, has thrown the APC headquarters in Abuja into confusion, with staff and supporters gathering to discuss the unexpected development.
A senior APC official, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed, “Yes, it is true. He has resigned.”
Personal belongings were reportedly moved from Ganduje’s office earlier in the day, fuelling speculation of his imminent exit.
Party sources disclosed that efforts were made by senior officials, including National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, to persuade Ganduje to stay.
“We are currently pleading with him (Ganduje) not to resign. He is upset that Kwankwaso is coming to the APC. I think the two of them are sworn enemies. All the stakeholders are begging him to stay,” the source said.
However, those attempts proved unsuccessful.
“He has eventually resigned. We couldn’t stop him. I think there is something personal between him and Kwankwaso, who is ready to join the APC after some discussions with the President,” the source added.
The two politicians, both former governors of Kano State, were once political allies during their time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Kwankwaso served as governor from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015, with Ganduje as his deputy in the latter tenure.
However, their relationship deteriorated after Ganduje succeeded Kwankwaso as governor in 2015 under the APC.
Since then, the rivalry has deepened, with both leaders vying for political dominance in Kano State.
Ganduje’s removal of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, believed to be loyal to Kwankwaso, further worsened relations between them.
Sanusi was later reinstated in 2024 by Governor Abba Yusuf of the NNPP, under Kwankwaso’s influence.
Party sources said Ganduje cited health reasons for his resignation, though political tensions over Kwankwaso’s defection appear central to the decision.
Meanwhile, Buba Galadima, a close associate of Kwankwaso, denied knowledge of the defection plans but confirmed that discussions within the APC and the presidency had taken place regarding potential sacrifices of key figures, including Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“I am not aware of any defection plan, but I know there was a meeting where they agreed that Ganduje and Shettima should be sacrificed to bring new faces into the government,” Galadima stated.
On social media, Ganduje’s aide, Salihu Yakasai, expressed disappointment with the development, posting on X: “TINUBU WHY, APC WHY,” accompanied by crying emojis.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also confirmed the resignation via his Facebook page.
In line with the APC constitution, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, is expected to take over as acting National Chairman.
Sources said party leaders met at the Presidential Villa to finalise Dalori’s appointment in an acting capacity.
As of press time, the APC National Working Committee had yet to release an official statement.
