According to sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), time is running out for Abdullahi Ganduje as the party’s national chairman. Governors elected under the APC banner have reportedly resolved to convince President Bola Tinubu to sacrifice Ganduje and appoint a replacement from the North Central zone.
The governors are said to have identified a suitable candidate – a Christian from Nasarawa State – to present to the president. While the specific reasons for the decision have not been disclosed, sources suggest that it may be related to the party’s desire for equitable zoning arrangements.
Former APC national vice chairman (North West) Salihu Lukman has repeatedly opposed giving the chairmanship to Ganduje, arguing that the party’s zoning formula favors the North Central zone. Lukman has accused Tinubu of unilaterally nullifying the formula by appointing a North West candidate instead.
Sources reveal that Lukman’s concerns have gained traction within the party, making Ganduje’s position increasingly uncomfortable. “The governors have been discussing the issue and have now decided to meet the president about it,” said one state governor. “We believe Ganduje will step down soon to respect the party’s zoning arrangement and allow a candidate from the North Central to assume the chairmanship.”
The governors are reportedly concerned about a security report on Ganduje’s tenure as governor and the ongoing probe of his administration by the current Kano State government. They believe that a corrupt party leadership would damage the Bola Tinubu administration.
A member of the APC’s National Committee confirmed the party’s fractured state and the growing discontent among governors and other party officials. “The mood at the party Secretariat is downcast,” the source said. “Members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) are unhappy with the recent indictment of the national chairman.”
Sources close to the presidency indicate that Ganduje has lost the support he once enjoyed within the presidency, limiting his access to the presidential villa. “The chairman’s body language suggests that something is about to give,” said one source. “It appears he’s making up appearances at events, and I’m not surprised the president has finally considered that he has to go.” READ THE FULL ARTICLE
