The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori as the new Acting National Chairman of the party, following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Ganduje, who assumed the chairmanship in August 2023 after the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, officially stepped down from his position on Friday amidst growing internal dissent and leadership controversies.
Multiple sources within the party confirmed to 9News Nigeria that Ganduje’s resignation was influenced by his handling of the party’s recent FCT Area Council primary elections, particularly the Bwari Area Council Chairmanship primary, which has drawn sharp criticism.
One insider described the process as “a disgrace,” alleging that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) disrupted the primaries by chasing away other aspirants, thereby clearing the way for Hon. Joshua Musa Ishaku, whom they claim is a known ally of the opposition and did not support President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential primaries.
“It was a clear embarrassment. The outcome in Bwari was the final straw,” a source stated.
Ganduje’s resignation is also believed to be the result of mounting pressure from key stakeholders within the APC, particularly from the North Central zone. Party leaders from the region have consistently argued that the position of National Chairman should revert to their geopolitical zone, in the spirit of fairness and balance.
As part of what appears to be a broader political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, the APC has moved swiftly to appoint Alhaji Dalori, one of its current national vice chairmen, to lead the party in an acting capacity.
The party is expected to elect a substantive national chairman during its forthcoming national convention slated for December.
According to insiders at the APC National Secretariat, the leadership change is aimed at restoring stability, unity, and public confidence in the party as it prepares for future electoral contests.
Ganduje, a former two-term governor of Kano State, is yet to issue an official public statement following his resignation.