By Oso Abidemi
A fresh round of internal conflict has hit the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a sharp exchange between the state party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Attah, over alleged premature political endorsements.
Tension began after Attah reportedly endorsed a preferred aspirant ahead of the 2027 governorship race, a move Abbas described as “unguarded” and capable of creating disunity within the party.
In a strongly worded letter, Abbas warned the minister to desist from making public statements that could be interpreted as the official position of the APC.
“The leadership of the APC has observed with concern recent comments you made regarding internal party matters.
These statements have the tendency to provoke misunderstanding and disunity among members,” Abbas said, adding that disciplinary action could follow if Attah continues the practice.
But responding through his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, the minister maintained that his comments were within his democratic rights and not intended to undermine party leadership.
Attah described the letter, copied to President Bola Tinubu, as an unnecessary distraction at a time Nigeria is facing serious security challenges.v
“The minister’s loyalty to the President and the APC is unquestionable. His comments were personal assessments, not official declarations,” the statement said.
Attah defended his endorsement of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau as the APC’s most viable 2027 governorship candidate for Kano, insisting it was based on political insight and grassroots experience.
He stressed that expressing strategic political opinions should not be mistaken for disaffection or an attempt to usurp party authority.
“The minister remains committed to the APC, to the President, and to the peace and progress of Kano State,” the statement added.
