Who is Ali Bukar Dalori? Meet APC’s new acting national chairman

Following the unexpected resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ali Bukar Dalori has stepped into the spotlight as the new Acting National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling party.

The move has sparked public interest, as Nigerians are now asking: Who is Dalori? What does he bring to the table?

Will he restore stability within the APC? This article answers the most-searched questions about Dalori’s rise, background, mandate, and the challenges ahead.

Who Is Ali Bukar Dalori?

Ali Bukar Dalori is a grassroots politician from Borno State, Northeast Nigeria. He began his political career as a councillor and later served as Chairman of Konduga Local Government Area—a role in which he gained popularity for community-oriented leadership. His consistent political engagement, especially during times of insecurity in the North-East, earned him widespread respect.

Dalori later became the Chairman of the APC in Borno State, where he strengthened party structures and increased the party’s presence at the grassroots. His performance earned him elevation in 2022 to the role of Deputy National Chairman (North), giving him national visibility within the party hierarchy.

Why Did Dalori Become Acting APC National Chairman?

Dalori was appointed Acting Chairman on June 27, 2025, immediately following Ganduje’s resignation. As the most senior northern official in the party’s national leadership, Dalori was next in line by hierarchy. The APC National Working Committee (NWC) invoked its internal guidelines and handed him the role to avoid a leadership vacuum ahead of strategic political realignments for 2027.

According to inside sources, the move was also politically calculated to reassure aggrieved North-Central stakeholders, many of whom were angered when Ganduje, from the North-West, was installed against earlier zoning arrangements.

What Is Dalori’s Mandate as Acting Chairman?

Ali Bukar Dalori is now tasked with steering the APC through a sensitive transitional phase, which includes:

• Leading the party ahead of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

• Managing off-season governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi, and Edo states.

• Calming factional tensions, especially those arising from zoning disputes.

• Organising a transparent process to elect or affirm a substantive national chairman.

• Ensuring that party unity and support remain solid as President Tinubu’s 2027 campaign strategy quietly takes shape.

READ ALSO

Ganduje, Audu Ogbeh, other top Nigerian party leaders who resigned

Ganduje resigns as APC national chairman: Health reasons or strategic retreat?

Kano and Ganduje: killing in the name of God

Ndume backs death penalty for corruption… here’s all to know

Kano: Kwankwaso accusses Buhari of ordering Sanusi’s removal

How Has Dalori Performed in the Past Within the APC?

Dalori’s record speaks of loyalty, strategy, and inclusiveness. As Borno APC Chairman, he managed the party through turbulent elections, insecurity, and defections. Under his leadership:

• The APC won nearly 90% of elective positions in Borno State.

• He built alliances with traditional rulers and community youth groups, ensuring voter loyalty.

• He coordinated relief and support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis.

His tenure as Deputy National Chairman (North) has also been praised for keeping northern blocs of the APC united, especially during internal reshuffles and national convention planning.

What Are the Challenges Facing Dalori’s Acting Chairmanship?

While Dalori’s appointment has been welcomed by some, it also presents key challenges:

• Zonal agitation from North-Central leaders demanding that the chairmanship return to their region, in line with the party’s 2022 zoning formula.

• Perceptions of imbalance, as the President (Tinubu), Senate President (Akpabio), and Acting Chairman (Dalori) are all from Southern or Northern minority blocs, sidelining others.

• Maintaining neutrality in possible internal primary preparations for 2027.

• Managing corruption allegations lingering from the Ganduje era, and restoring credibility to the party’s leadership image.

How Are Party Members and Analysts Reacting?

Initial reactions from APC insiders are mixed:

• Many northern party chieftains describe Dalori as “loyal, accessible, and experienced”.

• Some analysts believe his appointment is a temporary balancing act until a North-Central consensus candidate is presented.

• Civil society actors urge Dalori to prioritize reforms and depoliticize internal party leadership selection.

However, others caution that unless the APC allows a transparent convention process, Dalori’s tenure could become a flashpoint for internal revolt.

Is Dalori Likely to Become the Substantive Chairman?

It’s uncertain. While Dalori is competent and well-liked within northern APC ranks, the party may zone the permanent chairmanship to North-Central in line with its internal rotation policy. His chances depend on:

• Whether President Tinubu backs his continuity.

• If Dalori can deliver electoral victories in off-season states.

• How well he manages internal negotiations and resists factional pressure.

If he performs well as acting chairman, there is every possibility that he could be retained or become a top contender for the permanent position.

What Else Should You Know About Dalori?

• Dalori is regarded as a loyalist to Borno political godfather, Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s current Vice President.

• He is known for quiet diplomacy and rarely courts public controversy.

• His honorary doctorate from IAEC University (Togo) was given in recognition of his service to conflict-affected communities in the North-East.