Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), has received a seven-day ultimatum to resign following a formal request from Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, a key APC figure.
Zazzaga, who chairs the North-Central APC Forum and previously served on the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, contends that Ganduje’s appointment breaches the party’s zoning arrangement.
Speaking to reporters in Jos, Plateau State, Zazzaga expressed his concerns, highlighting issues related to constitutional and party governance.
“The national chairmanship was zoned to the North-Central region, yet Ganduje is from the North-West,” he said.
Zazzaga emphasized that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Senator Abdullahi Adamu in August 2023 conflicts with Article 31.5 of the APC Constitution, which designates Nasarawa State as the rightful zone for the role.
Zazzaga expressed frustration, noting that prior attempts to resolve the matter internally had been ignored.
“Ganduje is hellbent on occupying the position, which is constitutionally designated for the North-Central,” he stated, warning that the chairmanship dispute risks further fracturing the party’s support base, especially in the North-Central.
Additionally, Zazzaga highlighted Ganduje’s ongoing corruption trial in Kano State, expressing concerns about the party’s image if he remains in office.
“I call for the immediate resignation of His Excellency Abdullahi Ganduje PhD as the National Chairman,” Zazzaga declared, underscoring the need for 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.