Kano APC in turmoil as party chairman, minister clash over 2027 endorsement

Tension has erupted within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kano State following a reported clash between the state party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Attah.

The disagreement stems from Attah’s alleged public endorsement of Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, as the APC’s preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Kano.

In a letter addressed to the minister, Abbas condemned the remarks as “unguarded”, warning that such statements were capable of causing misunderstanding and disunity within the party.

He stressed that internal party decisions and official communication remain the sole responsibility of the APC leadership and recognised spokespersons. Abbas cautioned that non-compliance could attract disciplinary action.

But responding through his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, Attah defended his position, describing his comments as an exercise of his democratic rights. He said the statements reflected his personal political assessment and were not intended as an official party directive.

Attah reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu, explaining that his endorsement of Barau was a patriotic contribution to internal party discourse, and not an attempt to undermine party structures.

He also urged party members to avoid escalating internal disagreements at a time when the country is confronting serious security challenges.

According to the minister, his remarks were informed by years of engagement with grassroots stakeholders and were aimed at stimulating healthy debate within the APC ahead of the 2027 nomination process.