In a dramatic political coup that has shaken Nigeria’s ruling party to its core, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was unceremoniously compelled to resign as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a startling 2 a.m. intervention by security operatives at his Asokoro residence on Friday, multiple authoritative sources have exclusively confirmed to RECAP MEDIA. While the embattled former Kano governor submitted a resignation letter citing vague “health reasons,” senior party insiders and presidential villa officials reveal the move was actually a carefully orchestrated political purge designed to achieve three critical objectives: facilitate Rabiu Kwankwaso’s imminent return to the APC fold, pacify simmering discontent among North Central power brokers, and streamline the party’s leadership ahead of the high-stakes 2027 general elections.
The late-night operation, carried out by the head of a key security agency accompanied by two senior presidential aides, reportedly gave Ganduje an ultimatum to resign immediately or face potential corruption charges – a threat that sources say left the usually defiant politician with “no choice but compliance.” This extraordinary intervention came just 72 hours after President Bola Tinubu received confirmed intelligence that Kwankwaso, the NNPP leader and former Kano governor, was seriously considering an alliance with Atiku Abubakar’s opposition coalition unless Ganduje – his bitter political rival – was removed from the APC leadership.
THE THREE-FRONT PRESSURE THAT TOPPLED GANDUJE
The Kwankwaso Ultimatum:
- Tinubu’s long courtship of NNPP leader hit wall over Ganduje’s presence
- “No Kwankwasiyya return with Ganduje as chairman” – Source
- Atiku coalition’s counter-offer to Kwankwaso triggered emergency action
North Central Revolt:
- Zone demanded return of chairmanship after Adamu’s ouster
- Ganduje’s North West retention bred resentment among party barons
Structural Weaknesses:
- Failed to consolidate party structures in key states
- Mounting criticism over leadership style
THE MIDNIGHT DRAMA
• Security chief’s pre-dawn visit to Ganduje’s residence
• Northeast governor, Northwest powerbroker’s “consolation visit” hours later
• Niger flood visit became unplanned farewell appearance
WHO TAKES OVER? NORTH CENTRAL’S THREE-WAY BATTLE
🔹 Sen. Umaru Al-Makura (Ex-Nasarawa Gov/Tinubu loyalist)
🔹 Sen. George Akume (SGF/Tinubu’s longtime ally)
🔹 Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa (Finance Committee Chair)
Constitutional Stopgap: Deputy Chairman North Abubakar Kyari Dalori to act pending emergency NEC meeting
APC’S CHAIRMANSHIP CURSE
2013-2023: All 6 APC chairs exited controversially
• Akande (2014) – Pushed out in merger politics
• Oyegun (2018) – Ousted for Oshiomhole
• Oshiomhole (2020) – NEC dissolution
• Buni (2022) – Caretaker term expired
• Adamu (2023) – Forced resignation post-election
• Ganduje (2025) – Midnight resignation
