JUST IN: Dalori takes over as APC acting national chairman [PHOTO]

Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori has been sworn in as the Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Dalori, who previously served as the Deputy National Chairman (North), officially assumed leadership of Nigeria’s ruling party on Friday, June 27, shortly after Ganduje stepped down citing “health grounds.”

The development signals the start of a transitional phase in the APC, with Dalori expected to lead the party until its next National Convention scheduled for December 2025.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, was witnessed by members of the National Working Committee (NWC), state party leaders, and other key stakeholders. Dalori was administered the oath of office amid applause and “pledges of loyalty” from party officials.

In his remarks after taking the oath, Dalori stressed the importance of “unity, discipline, and inclusiveness” as the pillars of his leadership. He pledged to strengthen internal cohesion within the party and to ensure “transparent preparations for the upcoming convention.”

Ganduje’s resignation, which caught many party members by surprise, was confirmed earlier through an internal memo sent to the NWC.

In his farewell message, the former Kano State governor expressed gratitude to “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the party for the opportunity to serve.”

Dalori, a grassroots politician from Borno State, is widely regarded as a calm and strategic leader. He has been instrumental in the APC’s internal negotiations and reconciliation efforts since the 2023 general elections.

His rise to the top position is seen by analysts as a step towards restoring internal stability and preparing the APC for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general polls.

Sources within the party noted that Dalori’s ability to engage across regional lines and maintain open channels of dialogue will be vital in managing the tensions that have lingered within the APC since the last election cycle.