By Ghazali Ibrahim
Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been appointed Acting National Chairman following the surprise resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Ganduje’s departure on Friday triggered an automatic transition as outlined in Section 14(2)(iii) of the APC Constitution, which empowers the Deputy National Chairman to step in when the National Chairman is absent from their zone.
A party insider confirmed Ganduje’s exit, revealing that his staff had already begun relocating his belongings from the national secretariat, prompting surprise and confusion among staff and visitors.
Party sources indicate Ganduje resigned amid growing pressure linked to internal zoning arrangements, particularly ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
“The pressure has been mounting for months… If the vice presidency goes to North-West, the party chairman will have to come from another place,” one source said, adding that former Nasarawa State Governor Sen.
Umar Tanko Al-Makura is being considered for the position when the APC holds its national convention in December 2025.
Dalori, whose political background includes serving three terms as Konduga Local Government Chairman and leading the APC in Borno State, was elevated to the national stage in 2022 as Deputy Chairman (North).
He has also received an honorary doctorate in International Relations and Diplomacy from the African Institute for Administration, Science and Commerce, Togo.
Known for his grassroots activism and unifying leadership style, Dalori has played a key role in party consolidation in northern Nigeria.
Celebrated for his approach and commitment to community service, he is also credited with strengthening party structures and mobilizing support across Borno .
With Dalori now at the helm in an acting capacity, the APC leadership is expected to stabilize internal dynamics and reconcile zoning disputes as the party prepares for upcoming elections.
As Acting National Chairman, Bukar Dalori will manage the APC’s affairs until a substantive chairman is elected at the December 2025 national convention.
