12 Achievements and Historic Legacy Ganduje Established as APC Chairman – No Leader Has Done This Before.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Abuja.
June 30, 2025
On Friday, former Kano State Governor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, formally resigned from his position, citing the need to focus on his personal health.
However, Ganduje’s resignation may have been less about his health and more about growing internal pressure. Sources confirmed that some powerbrokers within the APC compelled him to step down due to controversies surrounding his leadership, including allegations of financial misconduct currently being challenged in court. Other accusations include forcing aspirants within the party to pay heavy fees for nomination forms.
Yet, despite these clouds of controversy, Ganduje leaves behind a legacy that no national chairman of the APC has matched in its 12-year history. His short but impactful tenure reshaped the party in ways that will be remembered for years.
Here are 12 notable achievements Ganduje recorded as APC National Chairman:
1. Defections of Sitting Governors: Under Ganduje’s leadership, two sitting governors defected to the APC, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
2. Akwa Ibom Joins APC: Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom also joined the APC during Ganduje’s chairmanship.
3. High-Profile Defections: Former Delta State Governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, was also swayed into the APC fold.
4. Senate Strength Boosted: The APC gained 10 additional Senators under Ganduje’s watch, strengthening its grip in the upper legislative chamber.
5. House of Representatives Gains: 32 lawmakers from various opposition parties defected to the APC in the House of Representatives, adding to the initial 175 members sworn in under the party in 2023.
6. Regaining Edo State: The APC successfully reclaimed Edo State from the PDP during Ganduje’s time, a significant strategic victory.
7. Kogi State Retained: Despite fierce opposition during the governorship election, Ganduje’s leadership ensured Kogi remained under APC control.
8. Ondo Election Victory: The APC won the Ondo State governorship election, another key milestone under his chairmanship.
9. Stability in Ondo State: Despite internal crisis following the passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Ganduje successfully managed the tension between Akeredolu’s successor and other factions, preventing party collapse in the state.
10. Crisis Resolution: Ganduje played a pivotal role in defusing internal party disputes, particularly in volatile states like Ondo, preserving unity and order.
11. Grassroots Expansion: Under his leadership, APC opened offices in all 8,813 electoral wards across Nigeria, a first in the party’s history.
12. Digital Party Registration: Ganduje initiated and implemented a tech-driven party registration system, modernizing the way APC manages its membership nationwide.
Despite the controversies and his abrupt exit, Ganduje’s record as APC Chairman stands as one of the most active and transformative in the party’s history. His ability to pull high-level defections, win strategic elections, and expand party infrastructure has set a new standard in political party leadership in Nigeria.
