Ali Bukar Dalori Named Acting APC National Chairman as Ganduje Resigns

Ali Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been appointed as the party’s Acting National Chairman following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Ganduje, who assumed the role in August 2023 during a period of internal strife within the ruling party, stepped down with immediate effect, citing health concerns. His resignation was confirmed on Friday through a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

In a letter submitted to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) via the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Ganduje expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to lead the party. His decision to resign is understood to be in line with medical advice, allowing him to focus on his well-being.

President Tinubu has reportedly directed Dalori to step in as Acting Chairman pending the convening of an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where the position will be formally filled.

Ganduje’s appointment as APC National Chairman had initially sparked controversy among party stakeholders, especially those from the North Central region who viewed it as a violation of the party’s zoning arrangement. He replaced Abdullahi Adamu, who resigned amid leadership disputes in 2023.

Since then, Ganduje has continued to hold influence within the ruling party and the federal government. In January 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and is reportedly being considered for a non-career ambassadorial position.

Dalori’s emergence is seen as a move to stabilize the party’s leadership and calm internal discontent as preparations begin for the next NEC meeting. His tenure as Acting Chairman is expected to bring a degree of balance to the party’s regional power dynamics and may help to restore unity among its ranks.