By Peterside Rejoice
The resignation of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not only created a vacancy at the top of Nigeria’s ruling party, it has also reignited an old agitation.
The North Central zone is pushing hard to reclaim the position many believe rightfully belongs to them.
This is not the first time the chairmanship seat has stirred internal controversy. In 2022, Senator Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State emerged as APC chairman following the party’s zoning arrangement, which allocated the role to the North Central. But Adamu’s resignation barely a year later opened the door for Ganduje from Kano in the North West to step in. That move was met with quiet resistance from within the zone.
Now that Ganduje has stepped aside, reportedly under coordinated pressure, stakeholders from the North Central are speaking out. They want the seat back.
In Benue State, the two major APC factions may be divided on many issues, but they are united on this. Daniel Ihomun, spokesperson of the APC faction aligned with Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, insists the chairmanship belongs to the North Central and must return there.
James Orgunga, spokesperson of the opposing faction loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia, also maintains that the party’s structure supports zoning the seat back to the North Central.
Nasarawa State, where Adamu hails from, is already making its move. Over the weekend, the North Central APC Forum publicly endorsed former governor and senator Tanko Al Makura. According to the Forum’s chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the endorsement came after extensive consultations among APC stakeholders in the region.
Al Makura is no stranger to party politics. His name has lingered in party leadership discussions for years and this could be his best opportunity yet. His endorsement comes at a time the APC needs unity, experience, and credibility ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
The political undertone of Ganduje’s resignation adusds another layer to the situation. Some insiders believe the decision was not just about internal restructuring. There are claims that it is part of a broader 2027 strategy. In Kano, APC chieftain Alhaji Alhassan Yaryasa alleged a plot to bring Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso into the APC as a potential vice presidential candidate. Some believe that move may have required Ganduje’s exit.
Whatever the speculation, what remains clear is that the North Central is determined not to let this opportunity pass. The region sees this moment not just as a political opening but as a matter of fairness and balance in party leadership.
For now, APC Deputy National Chairman North, Bukar Dalori, is serving as acting chairman. However, this is temporary. 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.
The North Central is holding its ground, rallying support, and pressing its case. Whether this pressure will lead to action remains to be seen. One thing is certain. The race for the next APC national chairman is far from over and the North Central is not backing down.
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