Abuja

When Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje stepped down as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), many political observers speculated that his influence on Nigeria’s turbulent political scene might wane. But the former Kano State governor, known for his resilience and deep political networks, continues to assert his presence in both northern and southern political circles. In Kano, Ganduje remains a towering figure despite the setbacks his loyalists have faced since the opposition New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf took power. He is still regarded as a political godfather by several lawmakers, party loyalists, and grassroots supporters, with many describing him as the “strategist-in-chief” of Kano politics. Nationally, Ganduje’s brief but eventful tenure as APC Chairman left an imprint on the party. He assumed office at a time of turbulence, tasked with balancing power blocs after the 2023 elections and managing the early days of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. While his leadership style drew mixed reactions, his ability to hold the party together amid defections and regional agitations is still being studied. Related: APC Chair Yilwatda Hails Ganduje as ‘Co-Chairman’ of Party Beyond the North, Ganduje has been active in fostering political collaborations across the South, particularly as debates on restructuring, power-sharing, and economic reforms intensify. His recent engagements with leaders outside Kano highlight a deliberate effort to maintain visibility and relevance on the national stage. Analysts suggest that Ganduje is positioning himself as a kingmaker ahead of the 2027 elections, leveraging his networks within the APC and across opposition lines. While age and controversies around his tenure in Kano may cast shadows, his political longevity is undeniable. For a man who has weathered storms in Kano politics and at the national level, Ganduje’s story underscores a familiar truth in Nigerian politics: influence does not always come from holding office, but from the ability to shape conversations and broker alliances. As the countdown to 2027 gathers momentum, all eyes will be on whether Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will reinvent himself as a quiet strategist, a political dealmaker, or a resurgent frontline player in Nigeria’s ever-shifting political chessboard.