Minister Blames Kano APC Chair For 2023 Defeat

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has directly blamed the Kano State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Abbas, for the party’s defeat in the 2023 general elections. Ata warned that any effort to retain Abbas as chairman would lead to a deeper crisis within the party, potentially triggering mass defections.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ and caucus meeting in Kano, Ata argued that Abbas’ leadership was a key factor contributing to the APC’s poor performance in the state. The minister also accused Abbas of making reckless statements that alienated voters and tarnished the party’s reputation.

“We will not take it lightly if Abdullahi Abbas is imposed on us for a fourth term,” Ata warned. “This will surely result in us defecting immediately from the party, and APC will crash and lose the 2027 elections. This is my message to anybody who cares to listen.”

Ata further stated that any attempt to extend Abbas’ tenure would deepen the crisis within the party, repeating that the APC would suffer another electoral defeat in 2027 if Abbas remained in charge.

He criticized Abbas for his “arrogant and misguided disposition,” citing remarks that questioned the power of God as part of the reasons for the party’s defeat. Ata emphasized that Abbas had not shown any signs of change since the loss and insisted that the party would face dire consequences if Abbas was re-elected as chairman.

The minister also alleged that the APC, despite winning the governorship contest in 2023 with candidates Gawuna and Sule Garo, ultimately lost due to Abbas’ controversial actions. He pointed to Abbas’ “anti-God remarks” as a key factor that derailed the party’s victory.

Ata’s comments come amid rumors that the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, supports Abbas’ continuation as the state chairman, a stance that has caused significant internal unrest within the party.

The minister called for introspection within the APC, urging members to learn from the mistakes that led to their loss. He promised to visit different local government areas in Kano to mediate and resolve the ongoing disputes, reiterating that the party could not regain stability unless Abbas was removed from leadership.

Echoing Ata’s concerns, a former member of the House of Representatives for Fagge, Hon. Aminu Sulaiman Goro, expressed reservations about the APC’s future in Kano. He stressed the importance of protecting the integrity and reputation of the party’s leadership, warning that failure to resolve the issues would force party members to seek alternative political platforms.

The meeting was attended by APC elders, ward leaders from Fagge Local Government, and other key stakeholders, all of whom voiced concerns about the future direction of the party in the state.