The political landscape of Nigeria is currently marked by significant shifts, following the dramatic resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His abrupt departure on Friday has not only left a vacuum at the national leadership level but has also ignited a fierce battle for control within the party's influential Kano State chapter, with potential ramifications for the 2027 general elections. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC formally accepted Ganduje's resignation, citing health reasons, though various political theories suggest deeper strategic motives behind the move.

In the immediate aftermath, the APC's NWC appointed Ali Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North), as the acting National Chairman. This decision was made in line with Article 14 of the party's constitution. Dalori, in his assumption of office, emphasized the critical need for party unity, urging members to avoid disunity during this transition period. He highlighted Ganduje's significant contributions since August 2023, acknowledging his experienced leadership and steadfast commitment. Dalori stressed that his appointment was a responsibility to be embraced with transparency, inclusiveness, and unity of purpose, with a focus on delivering good governance and strengthening internal processes ahead of 2027. The party has scheduled a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the party's national secretariat in Abuja, where the nomination of a substantive national chairman will be a key agenda item, pending final approval at the national convention slated for November 2025.

In Kano, Ganduje's exit has triggered an intense political recalibration among rival factions and ambitious players. Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin, currently the most senior elected APC official from the state, is widely seen as the party’s presumptive leader. His influence has surged due to a steady influx of defectors, particularly from the rival Kwankwasiyya Movement, and his efforts to consolidate power beyond his Kano North senatorial base by funding APC activities across the state. This move is broadly interpreted as preparation for a 2027 gubernatorial bid. However, Barau is not without formidable contenders.

Among the key gladiators vying for control are Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, former deputy governor and the APC's 2023 governorship candidate, whose influence is believed to have waned due to his failure to secure a ministerial slot. His former running mate, Murtala Sule Garo, is a strong contender, considered a mastermind of Ganduje’s political movement with a solid grassroots structure across Kano. Intriguingly, Garo and Barau hail from the same local government and are reportedly not on good terms, intensifying the intra-party rivalry. Additionally, two federal ministers from Kano, Mariya Mahmud (seen as Ganduje's proxy) and Yusuf Ata (believed to be nominated by Barau), represent the leading blocs. Abdullahi Abbas, the longstanding Kano APC chairman and a loyalist of Ganduje, is also reportedly eyeing the governorship in 2027, despite his current allegiance.

A significant theory surrounding Ganduje’s resignation is that it was orchestrated to facilitate the entry of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), into the ruling APC. Kwankwaso, Ganduje’s former political ally turned bitter rival, has long been rumored to be considering a return to the APC, potentially with an eye on the vice-presidential ticket in 2027. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly attempted to broker Kwankwaso's return in 2023, but the NNPP presidential candidate had insisted he would not rejoin the APC while Ganduje was chairman. Political analysts believe that if Kwankwaso joins, especially alongside Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the leadership structure in Kano could tilt significantly towards the Kwankwasiyya faction, given Kwankwaso's demonstrated political control over the state in the 2023 elections. This strategy is seen as crucial for President Tinubu to shore up support and secure Northern votes, particularly from Kano, for his 2027 re-election bid.

The exact reasons behind Ganduje's sudden exit remain speculative. While officially citing health concerns, other theories range from pressure due to alleged corruption scandals (the 'Gandollar' allegations) and his purported meddling in South-East politics and an intra-party dispute in Benue, to having stepped on the toes of powerful figures like Vice President Kashim Shettima. The incident in Gombe State, where Ganduje and the APC North East Vice Chairman reportedly failed to endorse Shettima, leading to a public outcry, fueled speculation about a potential rift. Political observers, like Professor Kamilu Sani Fage, suggest that if Ganduje was forced out without compensation, his political relevance might diminish, as he never built a robust grassroots structure akin to Kwankwaso's. However, some believe President Tinubu may find other assignments for Ganduje, such as a ministerial or ambassadorial role, rather than disgracing him.

The speculation about dropping Vice President Shettima for 2027 is a contentious issue, viewed by many as an unnecessary distraction that could destabilize the Tinubu administration. Critics argue that such moves, often driven by ethnic or religious considerations, undermine loyalty and good governance. The current political climate in Nigeria highlights a broader issue: a proliferation of political associations ahead of 2027, many driven by selfish ambitions rather than a commitment to public service. The focus of Nigerian politicians, it seems, remains primarily on personal future and benefits, rather than addressing the people's needs or promoting collective development. The fluid dynamics resulting from Ganduje’s resignation underscore the ongoing permutations and power plays defining Nigeria's path to the 2027 general elections.