Minster replies to Kano APC Chairman’s accusation

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Yusuf Atah, has replied to the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, who wrote a letter, accusing him of making public comments capable of destabilizing the party in Kano state.

According to Atah, the letter of caution addressed to him and copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the leader of APC in Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,; the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda,, and the APC Northwest Zonal Vice Chairman, was not written in good faith.

A Statement signed by the Minister’s Aide, Seyi Olorunsola and made available to our Correspondent reads: “Ordinarily, the Honourable Minister would have ignored the contents of the said letter, viewing it as one of the many internal debates that accompany democratic engagement.

“However, for the purpose of clarity, public education, and the need to restate his unwavering loyalty to the party and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, it has become necessary to issue this formal response.”

“Beyond being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a proud, non-executive member of the APC in Kano State, he is first and foremost a citizen of Nigeria with constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and opinion. His loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC is unquestionable and has been demonstrated consistently through years of service, sacrifice, and commitment to party ideals.

“Therefore, any suggestion that his recent public comments amount to “disaffection” or an attempt to arrogate party leadership to himself is not only unfounded but reflects a narrow and erroneous understanding of democratic rights and internal party dynamics.

“If offering a sincere, well-reasoned, and patriotic opinion on the future direction of the party ahead of the 2027 elections is what the writers of the letter consider a wrongdoing, then the Minister stands “guilty as charged”—guilty only of loving his party enough to speak truthfully and strategically at a crucial moment.”

The Statement insisted that: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Minister reiterates that his recent comments on the suitability of the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, as the most viable gubernatorial candidate for the APC in 2027, were personal and patriotic assessments—not official party declarations.

“As the number five citizen of the country, a proud son of Kano, and a political figure whose acceptability cuts across senatorial districts, local government areas, and ethnic nationalities, Senator Barau represents, in the Minister’s view, the strongest and most unifying choice for the APC to reclaim Government House Kano in the next electoral cycle.

“This assessment is based on sound political foresight and decades of engagement with the grassroots. Rather than being vilified for offering such insight, the Minister believes party leaders should welcome strategic thinking that positions the APC for victory long before formal nomination processes begin. His comments were never intended to usurp the powers of party organs; rather, they were reflections of democratic analysis—open to debate,”

Atah further noted that the decision to draft and circulate such a letter—especially one copied to the President—at a time when Nigeria faces a declared national security emergency was, “an unnecessary and avoidable distraction.

“With the President suspending his international engagements, including the G-20 Summit in South Africa and a planned AU meeting in Angola, in order to attend to urgent state security matters, the priority of every patriotic leader should be unity, focus, and unwavering support for the Commander-in-Chief.

“To elevate an internal party opinion into a matter deemed worthy of presidential attention at such a critical time sends the wrong signal about the priorities of certain party actors.”

Atah, however, advised that: “Efforts should be directed toward strengthening party structures, engaging the grassroots, and articulating policies that resonate with the people—not toward internal scuffles that weaken the collective resolve.”

The Kano APC Chairman had written a letter dated November 21, 2025, which warned Atah over recent media statements concerning internal party matters and aspirants.

The party said such remarks, “have the tendency to provoke misunderstandings and disunity among members.”

The letter also warned that as a Minister, Atah’s public comments could be misinterpreted as official party positions.

It further noted that while Atah has the right to support any aspirant, “by virtue of your position as a Minister and member of the Federal Executive Council, you are expected to engage on issues that will facilitate the unity of all party members.”