The sudden resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stirred political tension and speculation across Nigeria. Appointed on August 3, 2023, Ganduje took over following the resignation of former chairman, Abdullahi Adamu. However, his tenure was short-lived, ending abruptly amid mounting internal and external pressures.
According to investigations by SUPERNEWS9JA, Ganduje’s departure was not entirely voluntary. Sources revealed that President Bola Tinubu personally demanded Ganduje’s resignation after a classified report from the State Security Service (SSS) implicated him in a corruption scandal.
One key issue was the controversial conduct of the APC primary elections for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils. In particular, the Bwari Area Council primaries, allegedly manipulated in favour of the highest bidders, became a tipping point. Eyewitnesses, including political observers like Enyigwe Matthew, pointed fingers at Ganduje for deploying security forces to bar aspirants and journalists, an act that escalated into chaos and resulted in loss of life.
Following numerous complaints and bribery allegations tied to ticket sales during the primaries, President Tinubu reportedly instructed the SSS to launch an investigation. After the damning report was submitted, Tinubu summoned Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Ibrahim Masari, and later Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State to relay a message: Abdullahi Ganduje must resign.
This photo shows Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC National Chairman, dressed in traditional northern Nigerian attire, seated in what appears to be a quiet indoor setting. The image captures a reflective moment as Ganduje faces mounting political pressure, corruption allegations, and internal party conflict, which ultimately led to his abrupt resignation.
Despite receiving the message on Thursday night, Ganduje was initially defiant. He attempted to see the President and requested to remain in office until the APC convention in December 2025. On Friday morning, after further lobbying efforts, he was confronted by the Director-General of the SSS, Adeola Ajayi. Realizing he faced the possibility of being forcibly removed and prosecuted, Ganduje capitulated and tendered his resignation—citing “health issues” as the official reason.
Earlier Efforts to Oust Abdullahi Ganduje
This wasn’t the first time President Tinubu considered removing Ganduje. In mid-2024, there were plans to ease him out of the chairmanship, possibly by nominating him for an ambassadorial role in West Africa. Senate President Godswill Akpabio was reportedly tasked with conveying this to Ganduje.
However, Ganduje lobbied APC elder statesman Bisi Akande, who appealed to the President to allow Ganduje to continue until the party convention. Tinubu reluctantly agreed at the time, partly due to Ganduje’s longstanding loyalty.
An insider disclosed: “Ganduje’s continued stay was based on loyalty, but his corruption scandals and self-serving politics forced the President to finally act to protect the party.”
Ganduje’s Fallout with Political Allies
Ganduje’s woes deepened as he lost the support of his key allies within the APC. His relationship with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma soured due to Ganduje’s controversial involvement in APC affairs in the South East and the Anambra governorship primaries. Though Uzodimma had defended him in the past, this time he backed Tinubu’s decision to remove him.
Similarly, Ganduje’s alliance with Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, broke down during the Benue APC crisis. Despite agreeing not to appeal a court ruling that favoured Akume’s faction, Ganduje went ahead to challenge the judgement, favouring Governor Hyacinth Alia instead. This betrayal further isolated him within the party.
