Why Ganduje Resigned as APC National Chairman – Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission and former Governor of Abia State, has revealed that Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje resigned as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to health reasons.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Kalu disclosed that he recently met with Ganduje and discussed a range of issues, including his health. “I was just with the national chairman two weeks ago in his house, and we had a lot to discuss about health, about the party, about every other thing. So health issues are what you can never put your eyes or your ears or your mind to,” Kalu said.

Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano State, stepped down from his position last week, citing urgent personal matters. The APC leadership has since accepted his resignation and stated that steps are being taken to appoint a replacement. The development sparked public debate, with some political observers suggesting that the move could be tied to 2027 election strategies or internal party dynamics.

There has also been speculation about a possible link between Ganduje’s resignation and the rumored defection of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso to the APC. However, Kalu dismissed those claims, insisting that Ganduje’s decision was not politically motivated.

“Ganduje is a very close friend of the President. And you know, if it’s not health issues, he cannot say it’s not health issues. So Nigerians, whether small or big, should believe him because he has no problems with the president,” Kalu said. He added that even if Kwankwaso joins the APC, it would have nothing to do with Ganduje’s decision.

Kalu emphasized the demanding nature of the national chairman role, pointing out that constant travel and party coordination across the country can take a toll on one’s health. “It’s quite a difficult job to be done. So honestly, I believe him. Any other person can say what they want, but I know that the President is bold and courageous—he can easily say your services are no longer required—but I don’t think that’s the case,” he added.

Kalu concluded by noting that Ganduje was one of the earliest supporters of President Bola Tinubu and that Nigerians should learn to trust their leaders’ words, especially when it comes to personal decisions like health-related resignations.