Fresh details have emerged linking the resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to alleged plans by his long-time political rival and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to defect to the ruling party.
Ganduje officially submitted his resignation letter to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, on Friday in Abuja.
While the letter reportedly cited health concerns, insider accounts suggest that deeper political maneuverings, particularly involving Kwankwaso, influenced his sudden decision to step down.
A source familiar with internal party discussions told reporters on Friday night that Ganduje’s resignation was prompted by the APC’s strategic move to welcome Kwankwaso, currently the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), into its fold.
“Kwankwaso is expected to join the APC any moment from now, unless he changes his mind again,” the source disclosed. “The arrangements are already in place.”
The source added that while Kwankwaso’s defection is seen as crucial to strengthening the APC’s electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections,
Ganduje reportedly remained adamant in his opposition to the move due to their bitter political rivalry in Kano State.
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“It looks like they are sworn enemies. Kwankwaso’s entry is considered politically strategic for APC in 2027, but Ganduje made it clear he would never welcome him into the party. To avoid further resistance, he had to step aside,” the source explained.
Adding fuel to the political intrigue are growing speculations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be considering replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with Kwankwaso as his running mate in 2027.
Some APC stakeholders reportedly believe Kwankwaso carries greater electoral weight, particularly in Northern Nigeria, than the current vice president.
While the presidency has not officially responded to the speculation, the reported developments signal high-stakes repositioning within the APC as it looks to consolidate power ahead of the next election cycle.
The party is yet to make a formal statement on Kwankwaso’s rumoured defection or provide details on when a new substantive national chairman will be selected.