Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Kano State Governor, has resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective immediately. Ganduje cited urgent and important personal matters as the reason for his resignation. During his tenure, which began in August 2023, Ganduje faced resistance from within the party, particularly regarding his appointment and the party’s internal zoning arrangements ¹.
Following Ganduje’s resignation, President Bola Tinubu directed Ali Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North), to assume the position of Acting National Chairman. Dalori was subsequently sworn in as the new APC National Chairman on June 27, 2025, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The ceremony was attended by members of the National Working Committee (NWC), state party leaders, and other top stakeholders.
Key Details about Ganduje’s Resignation and Dalori’s Appointment:
Ganduje’s Tenure: Ganduje served as APC National Chairman from August 2023 to June 2025, facing internal resistance and controversy over his appointment.
Dalori’s Background: Dalori is a grassroots politician from Borno State and has played key roles in the APC’s internal negotiations and reconciliation efforts since the 2023 general elections.
Dalori’s Pledge: After taking the oath, Dalori emphasized unity, discipline, and inclusiveness as the cornerstones of his leadership, vowing to strengthen internal cohesion within the party and ensure transparent preparations for the upcoming convention.Upcoming Convention: Dalori is expected to lead the party until the next National Convention in December 2025, where a substantive chairman will be elected .
Implications of the Leadership Change:
Restoring Internal Balance:Dalori’s appointment is seen as a move to restore internal balance and prepare the APC for upcoming off-cycle governorship polls and the 2027 elections.
Managing Tensions: Dalori’s ability to engage across regional divides and maintain open lines of communication will be crucial in managing tensions within the APC’s ranks .
