By Premium Times Staff Writer
The unexpected resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape—especially in the North-East—where murmurs are growing louder that the move may be a calculated attempt to edge out Vice President Kashim Shettima from the 2027 power equation.
Although Dr. Ganduje officially cited health concerns as his reason for stepping down on Friday, many political observers and residents of Borno State—Shettima’s home base—believe his exit is part of a grander, behind-the-scenes maneuver designed to dislodge the vice presidential slot from the region.
Within hours of Ganduje’s departure, the party wasted no time appointing Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, as Acting National Chairman. Notably, Dalori also hails from Borno, the same state as Vice President Shettima. While the promotion sparked congratulatory messages from supporters, it also triggered a wave of suspicion and political analysis.
“Congratulations, may Allah guide and protect you in discharging your duty,” wrote Babakura Jato, one of many Facebook users celebrating Dalori’s new role.
But others are not convinced this is a mere coincidence.
“Anyone who believes Ganduje’s resignation wasn’t orchestrated to scheme Senator Kashim Shettima out of the 2027 picture is naive,” warned Aliu Haidar, a respected political voice from Biu. “What happens if zoning arrangements suddenly favour retaining Dalori as APC Chairman? This is more than just a coincidence—this is political chess at its finest.”
Another commentator, Abdulmajeed Monguno, gave voice to a fast-gaining theory: “Let’s not pretend. The APC’s internal rules demand that the Commander-in-Chief, Vice President, and Party Chairman must hail from different geopolitical zones. With Tinubu in the South-West and Dalori now from the North-East, this move opens the door for a vice-presidential pick from the North-West or North-Central. This may well be a Tinubu-Kwankwaso masterstroke.”
Meanwhile, some observers argue that Ganduje’s fall was self-inflicted, stemming from his controversial role at the recent North-East APC stakeholders’ meeting, where he allegedly failed to endorse Shettima for a 2027 renomination.
“Let’s not forget, Kashim Shettima has remained silent about the betrayal at that meeting,” noted Muhammad Musa, a Maiduguri resident. “But rest assured, Ganduje’s leadership choices didn’t go unnoticed. His resignation may well be the party’s subtle punishment.”
This political saga is the latest in a series of strategic shifts and shadowy power plays as Nigeria inches toward another high-stakes general election. The chatter around Ganduje’s fall from grace underscores a deeper anxiety: the fragile unity of the APC and the uncertain political future of Vice President Shettima.
As political realignments continue and tensions simmer beneath the surface, one thing is certain—2027 is already taking shape, and the chessboard is wide open.
PIONEER NEWS 