The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State is facing internal strife as its chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, has declared his ambition to run for governor in the upcoming elections. This announcement comes amid a heated dispute with Minister of State for Housing, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, who has threatened to leave the party if Abbas remains in leadership. The unfolding drama raises questions about the APC’s unity and prospects in Kano, a key political battleground.
Abbas’ Gubernatorial Ambition
In an interview with the BBC, Abdullahi Abbas made it clear that his ultimate goal is to govern Kano State, not to continue as the APC chairman.
“My political ambition is to become the governor of Kano, not to remain as the party chairman,” Abbas stated.
This declaration has added fuel to the ongoing crisis within the party, as members grapple with leadership tensions and conflicting ambitions.
Minister Ata’s Threat to Leave APC
The crisis escalated when Minister Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, in a viral video, criticized the APC leadership in Kano, blaming them for the party’s poor performance in the 2023 elections.
“If the chairman and his type are allowed to remain as party leaders, we will all leave,” Ata warned. He emphasized the need for competent leadership to revive the party’s fortunes in the state.
Abbas Fires Back
Abbas dismissed Ata’s comments, claiming that the minister is not a legitimate member of the APC. He questioned Ata’s appointment, pointing out that the APC performed poorly in the minister’s local government area during the last general election.
“He is not our party member. In the entire Kano State, it was only in his local government that the APC failed to secure massive votes. We were not informed about his appointment, and we have reported the matter to the president,” Abbas said.
The Root of the Crisis
The rift between Abbas and Ata highlights deeper issues within the Kano APC. The party’s defeat in the 2023 elections has left members divided, with some blaming the leadership for failing to mobilize support effectively.
Ata’s call for a leadership change reflects growing discontent among party stakeholders who believe that fresh faces and strategies are needed to reclaim Kano from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Implications for the APC
The ongoing crisis threatens to weaken the APC’s position in Kano, a state with significant political influence. If key figures like Ata follow through on their threats to leave the party, it could lead to further defections and erode the APC’s support base.
Abbas’ gubernatorial ambition adds another layer of complexity, as it could trigger internal competition and factionalism within the party.
What’s Next for Kano APC?
As the 2027 elections approach, the APC in Kano must address its internal divisions to present a united front. The party’s ability to reconcile conflicting interests and rebuild its leadership structure will determine its chances of reclaiming the state.
For now, all eyes are on Abbas and Ata as their feud continues to dominate the political discourse in Kano.
Conclusion: A Party at a Crossroads
The Kano APC is at a critical juncture, with leadership ambitions and internal disputes threatening its cohesion. Whether the party can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the road to 2027 will be anything but smooth.
