When Abdullahi Umar Ganduje voluntarily stepped down as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on June 27, 2025, the explanation from his former Chief of Staff, Malam Muhammad Garba, was straightforward, that “My principal was not removed as national chairman of the APC; he voluntarily resigned in the best interest of the party and to attend to some personal matters. He is currently in sound health and taking a well-deserved rest in London.”
Yet, in the days that followed, much of the public discourse tilted toward conjecture. Speculation especially in Daily Trust’s account suggested presidential distancing, internal trade-offs to lure the NNPP into the APC, and even regional balancing politics. But these theories were built on anonymous voices, absent of Ganduje’s own perspective, and ignored Garba’s unequivocal statement. The result was a narrative shaped more by rumour than fact, something that undermines both journalistic ethics and political clarity.
Related:
Unlike Others, Ganduje Completed All Projects Before His Exit
Ganduje’s tenure as APC National Chairman was marked by steady hands at a turbulent time. He inherited a party navigating post-election turbulence, factional undercurrents, and coalition fatigue. In less than a year, he consolidated national structures, kept the party machinery running without major internal implosions, and reached out to defectors from opposition parties. His political machinery, honed during his years as Kano governor, proved vital in ward-level mobilization, which is a critical factor in a country where grassroots politics often decides national outcomes.
The presidency should also recognize that Ganduje’s political bloc is now more formidable than ever. With the current NNPP administration in Kano contributing far less to the state’s development compared to Ganduje’s tenure as governor, public sentiment is shifting. This growing dissatisfaction, combined with Ganduje’s enduring grassroots networks, means that APC stands a strong chance of reclaiming Kano if he remains fully engaged. In simple terms, keeping him central to party strategy is not just an advantage, rather a guarantee for victory in the state.
Read Also:
Why Kano APC Backs Ganduje, Declares Him ‘Undisputed Leader’ of the Party
Kano itself is no ordinary battleground. It is Nigeria’s largest vote bank, delivering millions of ballots in presidential elections. Since 2015, APC’s dominance here has hinged on the “coalition factor”, uniting different political blocs, including defectors from smaller parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Ganduje has been central to this unity, forging alliances across ideological divides and maintaining party loyalty among historically unpredictable voting blocs.
His influence does not stop at Kano’s borders. Ganduje’s political reach extends into Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, and even Sokoto, making him a key figure in the broader Northwest electoral calculus. The numbers speak for themselves, in presidential races, the Northwest routinely delivers the highest regional vote share, and any fragmentation here could tilt the national balance.
This is why sidelining Ganduje now carries a political cost. Without his coordinating presence, the APC risks losing cohesion in Kano’s coalition politics, allowing voter turnout to slip and opposition parties to regain ground. The fact is simple, Ganduje remains one of the very few with the tested capacity, grassroots trust, and strategic positioning to keep the Northwest in APC’s column.
If APC truly intends to dominate the 2027 polls, particularly in the Northwest, Ganduje should not just be recognized for past service but actively engaged in a role that matches his political weight. This is not about sentiment or personal loyalty but electoral necessity. The Northwest’s numbers will decide the next presidency, and Ganduje is still the man who can deliver them.
Umar is a public affairs analyst writes from Kano.
shuaibuumaridris@gmail.com
