Yes, Abdullahi Ganduje resigned as APC National Chairman on June 27, 2025, officially citing health concerns and the need to focus on his well-being. However, there were also reports of internal party tensions, zoning disputes, and allegations of financial impropriety that may have contributed to his decision.
Sticking to zoning arrangements can help party stability in Nigeria by promoting fairness, unity, and a sense of belonging among different regions and groups. Zoning helps reduce feelings of marginalization and encourages diverse participation, but it only works if applied sincerely and not just for elite interests.
If parties ignore zoning, it can cause divisions and weaken internal democracy.
The North Central should produce the next APC national chairman for reasons of *fairness, justice, and equity*, as the party’s zoning arrangement originally allocated the position to the region after Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s resignation. North Central has been a strong supporter of APC, delivering five out of six governors in the region and playing a big role in Tinubu’s 2023 victory.
Stakeholders argue that honoring this arrangement will strengthen party unity, reward loyalty, and ensure the region feels included ahead of the 2027 elections.
WHAT IS APC's BIGGEST CHALLENGE AT THE MOMENT?
The biggest challenge APC faces right now is internal division and infighting, especially between old loyal members and new defectors, which threatens party unity and stability. Rising economic hardship and public frustration are also eroding support, while opposition parties like ADC are gaining ground by attracting defectors and appealing to young voters.
WHAT IS ONE THING THE PARTY NEED AT THIS MOMENT?
The APC needs strong, inclusive, and strategic leadership to succeed in 2027. Key qualities include unity among party leaders, grassroots mobilisation, data-driven decision-making, and addressing economic challenges like job creation and cost of living. Leaders should also keep promoting internal democracy, progressive reforms, and effective communication of achievements to win public trust.
The party also need Stability.
Stability from experience can help the party handle internal crises, unite factions, and win elections, especially in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
WHO CAN EFFECTIVELY LEAD THE APC AS THE CHAIRMAN?
Some people have already shown interest to contest the APC national chairman position thus far. Most are from North Central, reflecting the region’s push for the chairmanship. Each brings strengths. They include:
1. *Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura* (ex-Nasarawa governor): Well-respected, experienced, and seen as a consensus builder.
2. *Senator Joshua Dariye* (ex-Plateau governor): Political survivor with crisis management skills and grassroots mobilization prowess.
3. *Yahaya Bello* (ex-Kogi governor): Young, energetic, and influential.
4. *Senator Solomon Ewuga*: Seasoned politician from North Central, respected but not as prominent as others.
5. *Senator Sani Musa*: Known for integrity and a relatively clean record, but less national influence compared to ex-governors.
6. *Chief George Akume* (SGF): Powerful, experienced, and close to the presidency, but rumors of his appointment have been denied.
WHY SEN. JOSHUA C. DARIYE IS THE IDEAL PERSON TO CHAIR THE APC.
Without bias, prejudice or ill- will to the other aspirants, I will focus on the most qualified among them who posses the requisite dossier to steward the party at this critical moment; Sen. Joshua C. Dariye. Here’s a detailed look at why former governor Joshua Dariye should be consideres as an ideal APC chairman over anyone else:
1. *Extensive Political Experience*: Dariye has dealt with high-level political drama, crises, and power tussle as a two-term governor and senator, showing he can handle strong personalities and navigate internal disputes. He had a deep knowledge of Nigerian politics and the APC’s internal workings.
2. *Strong Northern Roots*: He is from the North Central zone, which many party stakeholders believe should produce the next chairman for zoning balance. As a respected northern politician, he could rally northern governors and ministers around party unity, especially with the chairmanship zoned to the North central.
3. *Grassroots Mobilizer*: He's known for his grassroots connections, which could help him mediate between powerful figures and the party base. Dariye is known for mobilizing support at both state and national levels, which could help unify and energize the party.
4. *Professional Background*: As a chartered accountant, Dariye brings financial expertise that could benefit party administration.
5. *Political Resilience*: Despite setbacks like impeachment and legal battles, he has shown resilience and ability to bounce back in politics. He managed severe crises in Plateau state, including religious and political turmoil which required negotiation and balancing competing interests.
6. *Survivor and strategist* : Dariye's reputation as a political survivor and strategist means he knows how to build alliances and outmaneuver rivals.
Dariye’s political skills are impressive—he’s known as a strategist, survivor, and experienced leader with deep grassroots connections and the ability to build alliances and unify party factions. Many believe he could stabilize and reposition the APC, especially with support from the North-Central zone and Plateau State.
Written by:
Shuaibu Inusa
08069790084
shuaibujnr@gmail.com
