Revealed: Three Sh*cking Reasons Behind Ganduje’s Dramatic Exit As APC Chairman

More than a month after former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, stepped down as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the true circumstances of his departure remain shrouded in controversy. Speculation continues to swirl over an alleged fallout with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other powerful figures within the ruling party.

Ganduje announced his resignation on June 27, officially citing ill health. However, just days later, he assumed a new role as Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) — an appointment made by President Tinubu in January 2025 but only formalised in July, shortly after his APC exit.

In the aftermath of his resignation, many expected Ganduje to secure another top political position. Rumours even suggested a potential swap with Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume. But that speculation fizzled, leaving room for other theories.

Some close allies insist Ganduje left voluntarily. Others maintain he was subtly pushed aside to create space for talks with leaders of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — especially his long-time political rival, former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and current governor Abba Yusuf — to defect to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party strategists believed Kwankwaso’s formidable influence in Kano and his cordial history with Tinubu, dating back to their gubernatorial years (1999–2003), could boost APC’s political standing. Yet, the plan quickly hit a dead end as Kano APC stakeholders resisted the idea of collaborating with NNPP heavyweights, citing deep political grudges.

“Many of them simply can’t work together… Bringing Kwankwaso and his allies into the APC would either sideline Ganduje’s camp or force them to leave entirely,” a party source revealed.

With the move stalled and a new national chairman appointed from the North Central, the APC appears stuck — unable to fully implement its Kano strategy or walk it back.

Although Ganduje blamed his resignation on health issues, his swift return to public life — attending the FAAN board inauguration and visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari’s family in London — has cast doubt on that explanation. Many observers believe political manoeuvring, not medical concerns, drove his exit.

Three Alleged Reasons for Ganduje’s Exit:

1. Clearing the Path for Kwankwaso – Asked to step down with a promise of a bigger role, to facilitate Kwankwaso’s planned defection to the APC.

2. Rift with the Presidency – Reported disagreements with President Tinubu’s camp may have contributed to his removal.

3. Zoning Demands from the North Central – His resignation was seen as a concession to the region, which had long demanded the party chairmanship since Abdullahi Adamu’s departure.