Ganduje Bows Out as APC Chairman Amid Health Concerns, Party Begins Search for Successor
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has officially stepped down as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing health challenges that have hampered his ability to effectively lead the ruling party.
Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, submitted his resignation letter to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025, after months of struggling with undisclosed health issues.
“The Chairman has been battling health challenges for some time, and it reached a point where he could no longer continue,” a senior APC official disclosed to journalists in Abuja.
Ganduje assumed the role of APC National Chairman in August 2023, following the abrupt resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. His tenure was marked by internal party wrangling, allegations of mismanagement, and questions around his leadership style—issues that some party insiders say may have added pressure to his already deteriorating health.
Although his resignation was made public on Friday, top figures within the party had reportedly been aware of his condition for several weeks and had begun exploring succession options.
As a temporary measure, Senator Basiru has taken charge to ensure the party’s activities continue without disruption. However, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is said to be meeting in the coming days to decide on a substantive replacement.
One name already making the rounds as a possible successor is former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, who party insiders describe as a stabilising figure capable of uniting the APC ahead of key electoral challenges.
While Ganduje has remained silent since his resignation, analysts believe the move could signal a shift in the APC’s internal dynamics as it works to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC is expected to convene an emergency leadership meeting next week to deliberate on the future of the party’s leadership structure and strategise for upcoming political engagements.
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