Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), has been given a seven-day deadline to resign after a formal demand from Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, a prominent APC leader.
Zazzaga, Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum and a former Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council member, claims that Ganduje’s appointment violates the party’s zoning arrangement.
Speaking to reporters in Jos, Plateau State, Zazzaga expressed his concerns, citing constitutional and party governance issues.
“The national chairmanship was zoned to the North-Central region, but Ganduje is from the North-West,” he explained.
Zazzaga emphasized that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Senator Abdullahi Adamu in August 2023 violates Article 31.5 of the APC Constitution, which designates Nasarawa State as the appropriate zone for the position.
Zazzaga expressed frustration, pointing out that previous attempts to resolve the issue internally had been ignored.
“Ganduje is hellbent on occupying the position, which is constitutionally designated for the North-Central,” he said, warning that the chairmanship dispute could further splinter the party’s support base, particularly in the North-Central.
Zazzaga also mentioned Ganduje’s ongoing corruption trial in Kano State, and expressed concerns about the party’s image if he remains in office.
“I call for His Excellency Abdullahi Ganduje PhD’s immediate resignation as National Chairman,” Zazzaga stated, emphasizing the importance of credibility and internal democracy within the APC.
The letter, also sent to key figures including President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, suggests a fact-finding committee if Ganduje resists stepping down.
Zazzaga warned of potential legal action should his ultimatum be ignored, intensifying the pressure on Ganduje.
