By Philomina Brando
The resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reignited an old agitation, with the North Central zone pushing hard to reclaim the position.
The zone believes the chairmanship seat rightfully belongs to them, and stakeholders are speaking out, demanding its return.
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The North Central zone had previously held the chairmanship seat, with Senator Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State emerging as APC chairman in 2022. However, Adamu’s resignation paved the way for Ganduje from Kano in the North West to step in, a move that was met with resistance from within the zone.
Now, with Ganduje’s resignation, stakeholders from the North Central are united in their demand for the seat’s return. In Benue State, both factions of the APC are aligned on this issue, with spokespersons Daniel Ihomun and James Orgunga insisting that the party’s structure supports zoning the seat back to the North Central.
The North Central APC Forum has publicly endorsed former governor and senator Tanko Al Makura for the position. According to the Forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the endorsement came after extensive consultations among APC stakeholders in the region. Al Makura’s endorsement comes at a time when the APC needs unity, experience, and credibility ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
The political undertone of Ganduje’s resignation adds another layer to the situation, with some insiders believing it is part of a broader 2027 strategy. Claims of a plot to bring Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso into the APC as a potential vice presidential candidate may have required Ganduje’s exit.
For now, APC Deputy National Chairman North, Bukar Dalori, is serving as acting chairman. However, this is temporary, and once President Bola Tinubu returns, the National Working Committee is expected to decide whether to affirm the current zoning structure or make a new political calculation.