Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s journey through the highest ranks of political leadership from Governor of Kano State to National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has left an indelible imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape. As he voluntarily steps down from his position as APC Chairman, citing health considerations, reflections on his tenure reveal a legacy defined by influence, strategic consolidation, and unwavering loyalty.
Appointed on August 3, 2023, Ganduje assumed leadership of the APC at a critical juncture. The party was in need of internal cohesion, grassroots consolidation, and a clear strategy heading into future elections. His tenure delivered just that ushering in visible political gains and stabilizing the ruling party across multiple fronts.
Under his stewardship, the APC experienced robust expansion. High-profile defections significantly shifted the political balance. Notably, two sitting governors, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom joined the APC, alongside their deputies, cabinet members, and key state legislators. The defection of former vice-presidential candidate and PDP stalwart Ifeanyi Okowa added to the party’s rising strength in both the National Assembly and at the grassroots.
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In Kano, Ganduje’s political influence remained formidable. He attracted key figures back into the APC fold, including former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and current federal lawmaker Kabiru Alhassan Rurum (Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya), Senator representing Kano South Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, and the former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Baffa Bichi. These moves further demonstrated his enduring grip on Kano’s political terrain.
On the national front, Ganduje’s leadership was marked by strategic crisis management and far-reaching reforms. His diplomatic handling of internal crises especially in Ondo and Kogi States was instrumental in preserving party unity. His vision included modernizing the party structure through the introduction of electronic membership registration and laying the foundation for the APC Political Institute, The Progressive Institute (TPI).
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TPI recently convened a youth conference addressing the lingering issue of youth unemployment and exploring strategies to groom the next generation of party and national leaders. His commitment to party education and ideological grounding was a hallmark of his reform agenda.
Importantly, Ganduje’s national strategy extended beyond numbers. He broadened APC’s reach through regional diplomacy and diaspora engagement. He paid official visits to ruling parties in neighbouring countries such as Ghana to foster political solidarity. During a visit to France a few months ago, he initiated structures aimed at strengthening the APC’s presence among Nigerians in the diaspora. This initiative was part of a long-term vision to align the global Nigerian community with the party’s agenda and mobilize international support.
However, his emergence as APC Chairman was not without controversy. The North Central bloc where the position was originally zoned voiced its reservations. Despite this, Ganduje secured a vote of confidence and succeeded in unifying the party around his leadership. His ability to navigate those tensions underscored his political dexterity.
Throughout his tenure, Ganduje demonstrated unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s broader vision. He did not hesitate to defend the party’s image, even in contentious situations such as his public call for the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as Senate Chief Whip over perceived disloyalty. It was a bold affirmation of party discipline and allegiance to the presidency.
Though he has now relinquished the role of APC chairman, Ganduje continues to serve the country as Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). While this role is more administrative than political, it maintains his presence within federal circles and signals his continued relevance in national affairs.
As he steps into a new chapter, Ganduje leaves behind a record marked by coalition-building, electoral expansion, and structural reform. While ongoing legal proceedings, especially in Kano, may pose challenges to his legacy, his contributions to party politics and national development remain significant.
Whether this moment signals a quiet retreat or a tactical pose, one thing is clear, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s legacy as a grassroots mobilizer, loyal party builder, and political tactician has already earned him a place in Nigeria’s contemporary political history.
Umar Idris Shuaibu is a digital journalist and can be reached via shuaibuumaridris@gmail.com.
