Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje's recent resignation as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked considerable public debate and varied interpretations. While the ruling party and some of its key figures maintain his departure was for personal and urgent matters, specifically health grounds, other political observers suggest deeper, more intricate reasons.

According to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission and former Governor of Abia State, Ganduje's resignation was indeed prompted by health concerns. Kalu, who recently met with Ganduje, emphasized that health issues are unpredictable and should be taken seriously, dismissing widespread speculation about political motives. He affirmed Ganduje's strong relationship with President Bola Tinubu, stating that the former Kano State governor would not fabricate a reason if it were not health-related. Kalu also dismissed notions that the potential arrival of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) National Leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, into the APC played any role, asserting Ganduje's decision was purely personal and health-driven, stressing the demanding nature of the party chairman role.

However, a contrasting perspective has emerged from the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum. Its President, Akin Malaolu, contends that Ganduje's quiet resignation reflects a growing frustration among northern political heavyweights with what they perceive as a suffocating stronghold of a a"southern cabala" within the APC. Malaolu alleged that Ganduje found it a"a herculean taska" to access President Tinubu, suggesting that decisions often emanated from unelected aides and political cronies rather than directly from the President. The Forum highlighted the dominance of a a"southern oligarchya" that has allegedly a"hijackeda" the APC's power structure, stifling inclusiveness. Furthermore, Malaolu claimed Ganduje had challenged the narrative from the party's last convention where Tinubu was seemingly crowned the sole APC candidate for the 2027 presidential election and had repeatedly voiced dismay over public disenchantment with the APC and the Tinubu administration.

Adding to the layers of political commentary, veteran journalist and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Dele Momodu issued a caution to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, warning that a"nobody is indispensable to Tinubua." Momodu predicted impending a"kata kataa" (internal wrangling) within the APC, attributing it to Tinubu's consistent political style, which he believes has remained unchanged since his dominance in Lagos State. Momodu even linked the speculation of a potential replacement for Vice President Kashim Shettima to past instances, such as the case of former Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode. He described Ganduje as a a"tragic heroa" who a"took bullets for Tinubua," suggesting his resignation is part of a larger, unfolding political drama.

Ultimately, Ganduje's departure has become a focal point for differing narratives within Nigeria's political landscape, oscillating between official explanations of health and more speculative claims of strategic political maneuvering, power struggles, and internal party disquiet ahead of the 2027 general elections.