Race Heats Up for APC Top Job After Ganduje’s Resignation

The race to succeed Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun, with several prominent figures from the North-Central zone emerging as early contenders. Former governors Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Senator Joshua Dariye (Plateau), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Senator Solomon Ewuga, and Senator Sani Musa have all been tipped as potential successors. Also reportedly in the mix is Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief George Akume, though the presidency has denied rumours of his appointment.

The APC leadership position became vacant following Ganduje’s resignation on Friday. Ganduje handed over to Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, who will act in the role until the National Executive Committee (NEC) elects a substantive chairman.

Party sources also mention Senator Abu Ibrahim from Katsina in the North-West as a possible contender. Reports suggesting Akume had been appointed chairman were dismissed yesterday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who described them as ‘fake news’.

Following Ganduje’s exit, groups from the North-Central zone have intensified calls for the chairmanship to return to the region. The States Youth Leaders’ Forum of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the North-Central APC Forum argued that the position was initially zoned to the North-Central before being allocated to Ganduje from the North-West.

Prince Sani Ogu Salisu of the CPC youth forum said appointing Al-Makura would strengthen party unity and improve the APC’s prospects in 2027. Saleh Zazzaga, chair of the North-Central APC Forum, urged President Tinubu to direct the acting chairman to convene an NEC meeting to elect a substantive replacement from the region. He said the North-Central played a pivotal role in the 2023 elections, giving Tinubu over 11.7 million votes, the third-highest by region, and controls five of six states in the zone.

The Forum also praised Ganduje for expanding the party through defections and helping secure victories in opposition-held states.

Under the APC constitution, at least 14 days’ notice must be given before an NEC meeting to elect a new chairman, though the National Working Committee (NWC) can call an emergency meeting with three days’ notice.

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) welcomed Ganduje’s resignation, describing it as part of the party’s evolution.