The Downward Slide of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State — Why It’s Happening and Why Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Is So Quiet
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Newspaper 8th November 2025
Kano State has long been a powerhouse in Nigerian politics — populous, strategically positioned, and fiercely contested. The APC, especially under the leadership of former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, once had a strong grip on the state.
Ganduje, as governor (2015–2023), led the APC to victory in Kano in the 2015 gubernatorial election.
- Advertisement -
However, in the 2023 elections, the APC lost significant ground in Kano: the rival party New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) made heavy gains in the State Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial seats.
Analysts have pointed to internal fractures in the APC, crisis over traditional institutions (like the emirate), and personality rivalries as having damaged the party’s standing.
Given this backdrop, the phrase “the down of APC in Kano has come” is not hyperbole: the signs are visible.
Why the APC Is Facing Decline in Kano, Internal divisions and leadership crisis. The APC in Kano is no longer monolithic. There are competing power blocs — loyalists to Ganduje, emerging challengers and other influential figures within the party seeking relevance.
Perspectives within the party suggest that Ganduje’s dominance is waning. For example, one report states:
“The internal crisis within the APC could significantly weaken Abdullahi Ganduje’s longstanding influence in Kano politics…”
The tussle has spilled into public arena: ward-level suspensions, contradictory internal statements, and perceptions of anti-party activity.
The fallout from symbolic institutional moves,
one of the biggest flashpoints was the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano in 2020 by the Ganduje-led state government. The move generated enormous public criticism and is widely viewed as contributing to alienation of key constituencies.
The NNPP leveraged this disaffection and many commentators say the APC’s approach to the emirate weakened its appeal in traditional and grassroots networks. Electoral losses and shrinking grassroots appeal
In 2023, the APC failed to deliver Kano for itself in many key races, signalling waning influence.
Commentators from within the party say that the loss was “because of Ganduje” — pointing to his style of politics as partly responsible. Rising opposition and shifting alliances
The NNPP under the leadership of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been re-energised in Kano. The APC acknowledges this challenge. As alliances shift and new political calculations are being made, the APC risks being overtaken in a state it once commanded.
Given these headwinds, why is Dr. Ganduje not mounting a public charge or appearing more vocal? Several factors help explain this. From governor to party chairman and now stepping aside: Ganduje moved from being Kano governor to national chairman of the APC. Then in 2025 he stepped aside from that role. This transition likely reduced his direct leverage and ability to mobilise in Kano in the same way he once did.
Legal, reputational and political distractions: Although Ganduje was exonerated by an independent CSO from corruption allegations in Kano state. The mere existence of those allegations, the public collisions (e.g., with the emirate), and internal party dissension mean he must tread more carefully.
A strategic pause? Given the fractures in the party, Ganduje may be choosing to remain on the sidelines publicly to avoid further escalation, while seeking to rebuild influence behind the scenes.
A changing terrain: The ground in Kano has shifted: new alliances, stronger opposition, erosion of old patronage networks. Ganduje’s previous formula may not be as effective, so a quieter posture may reflect recalibration.
Putting the above together, the reasons why the APC may lose Kano — or already has lost substantial ground — are becoming more concrete: Loss of control at the grassroots: When ward leaders are being suspended for anti-party activities, it signals erosion of party discipline and local control.
The removal of Sanusi generated resentment that cuts across religious/traditional networks, harming APC’s appeal in a state where such factors matter. Opposition strength and APC weakness within: The combination of NNPP revival and APC internal crisis means that voters may shift away from APC or simply stay home.
Candidates and the electorate are no longer just voting on patronage; governance, transparency and performance are getting more visibility — and poor performance or mismanaged transitions hurt incumbents.
All signs point to the next election cycle being a decisive moment. Unless the APC re-unites, reshapes its strategy and rejuvenates its base in Kano, the party risks being overtaken. For the APC: Urgent need to rebuild unity, reconcile internal factions, and repair its image in Kano. If it fails, it may no longer be the default dominant party in the state.
For Ganduje legacy in Kano is under strain. Whether he quietly rebuilds his base or gradually recedes from the frontline will shape how he is remembered politically.
The shifting landscape means alternative power centres will emerge. The traditional emirate politics, party structures, and federal–state relations all will be in flux. The 2027 elections could affirm or completely reshape the party dominance in Kano. Observers will track whether APC can recover or whether the NNPP (or another alliance) becomes the new force.
In short: yes — the signs are very strong that the “down” of APC in Kano has indeed arrived. The combination of internal factionalism, missteps (especially around tradition and institutions), stronger opposition and a changing voter base is eroding the party’s position. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, once the major power broker in the state, is relatively quiet now — likely because the terrain has shifted, his normal levers of power are under pressure and he is perhaps recalibrating.
If the APC does not act quickly to revive its cohesion, renew its grassroots outreach and adapt to the new realities of Kano politics, it is very likely to lose its once-dominant position in the state.
