Reports have emerged that Abdullahi Ganduje resigned from his position as the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress because his political rival Rabiu Kwankwaso in joining the party.
Ganduje is said to have vowed to resign as APC National Chairman or even leave the party if Kwankwaso is allowed to join the party.
President Bola Tinubu reportedly reached a deal with the former Kano Governor and member of the Nigeria Peoples Party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“[Ganduje] has eventually resigned, an insider of the APC told the Punch Newspaper. “We couldn’t stop him. I think there is something personal between him and Kwankwaso, who is ready to join the APC after some discussions with the President.”
Ganduje and Kwankwaso used to be allies and worked together during their time at the People’s Democratic Party.
Kwankwaso served as the governor of Kano from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015.
During his second term, Ganduje served as his deputy and eventually succeeded him in 2015 under the APC platform.
Their relationship has since deteriorated with Ganduje deposing Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, who was installed by Kwankwaso.
Emir Sanusi was later reinstalled on May 23, 2024, by Governor Abba Yusuf, a loyalist of Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso’s closest ally, Buba Galadima confirmed that a meeting with the NNPP 2023 presidential candidate and APC stakeholders with plans to sacrifice Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima for him to join the party.
“I am not aware of the defection plan,” Galadima said. “However, I know Kwankwaso and Ganduje have personal issues. I am equally aware that there was a meeting of APC stakeholders and the presidency three days ago where they agreed that Ganduje and Shettima should be sacrificed to bring a new set of people into government and the party.”
Speculation is also making the rounds that Tinubu won’t be running with Shettima and instead will run with Kwankwaso as his vice president candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
