The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is in turmoil as the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Atta, openly rejected the party’s state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, who was handpicked by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Atta’s strong opposition emerged during a Fagge APC Caucus meeting in Kano ahead of the APC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The minister warned that the APC risked another political defeat in the state if Abbas remained at the helm, arguing that his continued leadership would weaken the party’s chances of reclaiming Kano from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The controversy stems from Ganduje’s alleged determination to impose Abbas for another term as state chairman—despite him already holding the position for nearly a decade. Atta, however, is having none of it.
Atta did not mince words as he accused the APC leadership of failing to recognize divine authority in politics. He declared that the party lost the 2023 gubernatorial election not because of the opposition’s strength, but because it had “challenged God.”
“We are making it clear to everyone: if they bring him [Abbas] back, we will leave. The party will surely fail again. We are not with such people, and no matter what happens, we will not align with them,” Atta thundered.
He further warned that he and his supporters would not hesitate to defect if the party leadership remained unchanged, emphasizing that political power is not solely determined by votes, money, or even popular support.
“Votes do not give power, money cannot buy power, and even the people do not ultimately decide who rules. Gawuna and Garo won the election cleanly, but fraud was committed against us. We went to court, and it was proven that we were cheated. Yet in the end, the One who gives power withheld it from us because we challenged Him,” Atta stated, underscoring his belief that divine intervention played a role in the party’s loss.
Atta’s remarks have intensified the internal crisis within Kano APC, exposing deep rifts between Ganduje’s loyalists and those demanding a leadership overhaul. His outright rejection of Abbas signals a possible exodus of key party members, potentially dealing a major blow to the APC’s efforts to reclaim the state.
As the NEC meeting approaches, all eyes are on Ganduje and the APC leadership. Will they push forward with Abbas’s reappointment, or will they bow to pressure and introduce fresh leadership? One thing is certain—the battle for Kano APC’s soul is far from over.
PIONEER NEWS 