by Ola Williams-
Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori has been sworn in as the Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the surprise resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on health grounds.
Dalori, who until now served as the Deputy National Chairman (North), officially assumed leadership of the ruling party on Friday, June 27, at a ceremony held at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. His appointment marks the start of a transitional phase for the APC ahead of its next National Convention slated for December 2025.
“I am humbled by this responsibility and pledge to serve with integrity, inclusiveness, and discipline,” Dalori said in his acceptance speech. “We must work together to deepen internal democracy, strengthen our structures, and prepare for the tasks ahead.”
The swearing-in was witnessed by members of the National Working Committee (NWC), state party chairmen, and other top stakeholders. Party officials cheered as Dalori took the oath of office, pledging their support for his leadership.
Ganduje’s resignation had earlier been communicated to the NWC in a letter citing health concerns. In his farewell message, the former Kano State Governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s leadership.
“It has been an honour to serve this great party. I thank Mr. President and my colleagues for their trust and support during my tenure,” Ganduje stated.
Dalori, a seasoned grassroots politician from Borno State, is well regarded for his quiet but effective role in party negotiations and reconciliation efforts, especially in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections. His elevation is seen by observers as a strategic step to calm frayed nerves, particularly within the North-Central bloc of the party that had agitated for a more equitable power distribution.
A party source told reporters, “Dalori understands the pulse of the party. He’s approachable, calculated, and committed to healing divisions.”
With crucial off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls ahead, Dalori’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in repositioning the APC and stabilizing its internal politics.
