Tension is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following a reported disagreement between the state party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Attah, over the minister’s recent political remarks.
The rift emerged after Attah allegedly endorsed Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau as the APC’s preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship race in Kano, a move the party leadership considers premature and unauthorized.
In a letter addressed to the minister, Abbas described Attah’s remarks as “unguarded” and warned that such comments could fuel disunity within the party. He reminded the minister that issues concerning candidate endorsements fall strictly under the authority of the party leadership and its official spokespersons. Abbas further cautioned that continued disregard for party protocol could attract disciplinary action.
Responding through his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, Attah defended his comments, insisting they were an exercise of his democratic rights. He clarified that his endorsement of Barau was a personal political assessment meant to offer strategic insight, not an official party pronouncement.
The minister reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu, stressing that his views were shared in good faith to strengthen the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections. He also advised against escalating internal disagreements into the public arena, especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with serious security challenges.
Attah added that his position was informed by grassroots consultations and intended to stimulate healthy debate within the party before formal processes for nominations begin.
