Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially been sworn in as the party’s acting national chairman following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, effective Friday, June 27.
Constitutional Handover and Appointment
Dalori’s appointment came in line with Section 14(2)(iii) of the APC Constitution, which mandates that the deputy chairman from the same geopolitical zone step up when the national chairman is unable to serve.
Ganduje, a former Kano State governor who became national chairman in August 2023, cited health concerns as the reason for stepping down—though his resignation also follows recent internal tensions.
Political Undercurrents Revealed
Party sources suggest Ganduje’s decision to resign may have been influenced by disagreements over former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s prospective defection to the APC—a move reportedly unacceptable to Ganduje.
What Comes Next
Dalori, formerly the APC chairman in Borno State, will lead as acting chair until a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is convened to elect a substantive national chairman.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, his interim leadership comes at a pivotal time for APC reorganisation—and Ganduje’s exit leaves open questions about zoning and internal unity. Party insiders believe this shift could influence the selection of the party’s next vice-presidential candidate and control of the chairman’s position.
Why This Matters to Nigerians
This leadership change within the ruling party signals considerable power reshuffling, likely to impact internal governance and political alliances ahead of upcoming national elections.
Analysts will be watching closely for how Dalori steers the party through rising calls for regional representation, party reforms, and managing defections.
