The dramatic resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, June 27, has unveiled a complex web of political maneuvering and high-stakes calculations, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. While Ganduje officially cited health reasons for stepping down, credible sources close to the party allege that his exit was a direct result of intense internal party pressures and backroom political deals.

One of the most significant factors contributing to Ganduje's ouster was President Bola Tinubu’s determined effort to bring Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent figure and former rival, back into the APC fold. Kwankwaso, currently leading the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), reportedly made Ganduje's removal a non-negotiable precondition for his return. Sources indicated that Kwankwaso aimed to secure control over the Kano State APC structure, which would be impossible with Ganduje as chairman. The urgency of this move was heightened by reports that Kwankwaso had initiated discussions with an opposition coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, prompting swift action from the APC leadership to prevent a politically risky loss ahead of 2027. The final push for Ganduje’s resignation reportedly occurred in the early hours of June 27, with a visit from a major security agency head to his Abuja residence.

Beyond the Kwankwaso dynamic, Ganduje also faced persistent demands from North Central party stakeholders who insisted on the chairmanship position returning to their zone. His predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State (North Central), had been forced to resign shortly after the 2023 elections amid accusations of disloyalty to President Tinubu during the primaries. Despite Ganduje, from the North West, taking over, the North Central bloc continued to vehemently demand the position revert to them. With Ganduje’s departure, attention has now shifted to key North Central APC heavyweights such as Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Senator George Akume, and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, though their states having incumbent APC governors might pose challenges to their candidacies for party chairman.

Following Ganduje’s resignation, President Bola Tinubu quickly directed Ali Bukar Dalori, the deputy national chairman (North) of the APC, to assume the position of acting national chairman. The party’s official spokesperson, Barrister Felix Morka, issued a statement praising Ganduje for his dedication to strengthening party unity.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, publicly commended Ganduje for his resignation. Obi lauded Ganduje for "prioritising his health above all else," describing his decision as both wise and honorable given his reportedly declining health. Obi viewed Ganduje's action as an "exemplary" challenge to other Nigerian leaders who, despite being medically unfit, continue to cling to power. He stressed that Nigeria's current challenges demand leaders who are "not only competent but also physically and mentally fit," criticizing the prevalence of "medical tourism, long holidays, or absenteeism caused by age-related ailments" which he believes are severely hindering the nation's development.