By Ephraim Agbo
Let’s not pretend this is just another political reshuffle. Ganduje stepping down as APC chairman? That’s not a minor tweak—it’s a political earthquake, and the aftershocks are already shaking the foundations of Nigeria’s ruling party.
The headlines say “personal reasons.” Come on. We’ve seen this movie before. When political figures start citing “personal reasons” or “health,” you can bet your last naira there’s way more going on behind closed doors.
🚪 Ganduje Leaves, Doors Fly Open
For months, Ganduje’s position was hanging by a thread. He was installed controversially in 2023—displacing North-Central’s claim to the chairmanship—and he brought with him a truckload of corruption baggage from his Kano days. The infamous dollar-in-the-babariga video didn’t exactly help his case either.
So now that he’s gone? The APC isn’t just shopping for a replacement—they’re scrambling to fix a broken internal power-sharing deal, avoid a civil war, and convince Nigerians they still have their house in order. Spoiler: they don’t.
🧭 Enter the North-Central: “We Want Our Seat Back!”
The North-Central zone is demanding what they see as restitution. According to APC’s original zoning logic, that region should still be holding the chairmanship. Ganduje’s appointment in 2023 felt like a power grab by Tinubu’s camp—and North-Central leaders have been fuming quietly ever since.
Now? They’re not quiet anymore.
From Nasarawa to Benue, political gladiators are suiting up. Their message is loud and clear: “Return the chairmanship, or risk blowing this party to bits.”
🧑🏾⚖️ Who’s in the Ring?
Let’s talk real contenders:
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Tanko Al-Makura – Former Nasarawa governor, APC through and through. The safe bet, especially for those who want stability without scandal.
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George Akume – Current SGF. Powerful. Strategic. But would he leave his plum federal position for party politics? Maybe if the stakes are high enough.
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Yahaya Bello – Oh yes, he’s interested. But this one’s nuclear. With EFCC breathing down his neck and controversy trailing him like perfume, his ambition could ignite the kind of factional war APC can’t afford.
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Senator Sani Musa – Quiet, credible, and not too flashy. He’s the dark horse that could surprise everyone.
🕵🏾♂️ And Then There’s... Kwankwaso?
Ready for the plot twist?
Whispers in the corridors of power suggest Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—yes, the NNPP leader and Ganduje’s eternal nemesis—might be warming up to join APC. Not just to join... but to lead.
Let that sink in.
If true, this would be one of the most ironic political rebounds in recent Nigerian history. The same man who fought Ganduje tooth and nail in Kano may now sit in the very seat Ganduje just vacated.
Is it desperation or master strategy? Either way, it proves one thing: in Nigerian politics, there are no permanent enemies—only permanent interests.
🤯 What This Means for APC
This isn’t just about who gets to sit in a fancy chair in Abuja. This is about who controls the party ahead of 2027.
Here’s what’s at stake:
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Zoning credibility: If APC fails to return the chairmanship to North-Central, it could fracture the fragile coalition that helped it win in 2023.
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Tinubu’s power: Can he impose another loyalist like Ganduje? Or will internal resistance finally check his growing grip on the party?
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Party branding: With a battered economy and rising public anger, APC needs a serious image makeover. That means picking a chairman who isn’t already seen as part of the rot.
🗣️ Let’s Be Real
This is not a calm, orderly process. This is a scramble for survival. APC is trying to contain a fire without looking panicked. But we can see the smoke.
The truth? Ganduje’s exit could be the start of a reset—or a meltdown.
If Tinubu plays it smart, he installs a unifying figure and buys some breathing room. If he overreaches again—especially with talk of bringing in Kwankwaso—it could backfire spectacularly and trigger rebellion within his own ranks.
Either way, this drama is far from over.
The APC isn’t just looking for a chairman. It’s fighting for its soul.
And come 2027, we’ll find out if this was the moment everything changed—or everything fell apart.
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