Atah Dismisses Kano APC Warning, Upholds Barau's Support

State Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Atah, has addressed the warning issued by theAll Progressives Congress (APC)In K...

State Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Atah, has addressed the warning issued by theAll Progressives Congress (APC)In Kano, he stated that his recent comments were within his democratic rights and did not aim to create tension within the party.

The APC's Kano branch, in a letter from chairman Abdullahi Abbas, accused Atah of "serving as the party's spokesperson and making statements that could lead to dissatisfaction among members."

The letter stated: “The party noted that you (Minister) have a tendency to make unfavorable and disrespectful public statements, and therefore has no choice but to caution you to refrain from such conduct, with the warning that if you fail to do so, the party may be forced to impose disciplinary measures against you.”

The correspondence was sent to President Bola Tinubu and the national headquarters of the APC.

However, in a statement from his publicity aide, Seyi Olorunsola, the minister stated that he was providing a formal response for clarity, public education, and reaffirming his steadfast loyalty to the party and the president.

Atah warned against bringing internal party issues into the national spotlight during a period when the nation is facing pressing security challenges.

The statement noted: “The Honourable Minister considers the act of drafting and distributing such a letter—particularly one sent to the president—at a moment when Nigeria is experiencing an officially declared national security crisis, as an unwarranted diversion.”

Due to the President halting his global activities, such as the G-20 Summit in South Africa and a scheduled AU meeting in Angola, to address critical national security issues, the main concern for all loyal leaders should be unity, concentration, and steadfast backing for the Head of State.

The Minister wants to emphasize that, in addition to being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a distinguished member of the APC in Kano State, he is primarily a Nigerian citizen who has the constitutional right to freedom of speech and views.

The Minister's dedication to President Bola Tinubu and the APC is beyond doubt, consistently shown through sacrifice and commitment to the party's principles.

Thus, any claim that his recent public statements constitute 'disaffection' or an effort to seize party leadership is not only baseless but also demonstrates a limited and incorrect view of democratic rights and internal party processes.

If the authors of the letter view expressing a genuine, thoughtful, and loyal perspective on the party's future direction before the 2027 elections as an offense, then the Minister is 'guilty as charged'—guilty solely for caring deeply about his party to the extent of speaking honestly and tactically during a critical time.

Atah also responded to worries after his recent support for Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau's 2027 gubernatorial aspirations, which party members claimed led to the caution from the Kano APC.

To clarify, the minister's recent remarks regarding Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, as the most likely gubernatorial candidate for the APC in 2027, were individual and patriotic views—not statements on behalf of the party.

According to the Minister, Senator Barau is seen as the most powerful and unifying option for the APC to regain control of Government House Kano in the 2027 general election.

This evaluation stems from solid political vision and years of involvement at the community level.

The minister feels that party leaders ought to embrace strategic planning that sets the APC up for success prior to the official nomination procedures.

His remarks were never meant to override the authority of party bodies, but instead represented democratic analysis—open to discussion, differing opinions, or approval from party members.

The statement mentioned that the Minister is still dedicated to the APC, the President, and the peace and development of Kano State.

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