Parallel APC Meetings in Kano Highlight Deepening Factional Crisis
A serious internal division within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has become overt, with two major factions holding separate stakeholder meetings in the state capital over the weekend. The parallel gatherings underscore a deepening leadership crisis that analysts warn could impact the party’s prospects in future elections.
One meeting, aligned with former state governor and APC national chairman Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, was held at the Municipal Local Government secretariat. It was attended by the local government APC Chairman, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Mai Fata Sharada, along with key party figures including Muntari Ishaq Yakasai, Baffa Babba Dan’agundi, Engr. Sagir Koki, Hon. Salim Hashim Gwangwazo, Nura Hussain, Hon. Nabil Sarki Daneji, Hon. Ibrahim Kankarofi, and several commissioners and special advisers. Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada reportedly sent his apologies.
Concurrently, a second gathering loyal to Senator Barau Jibrin took place at the Sultanate Suite. This meeting was led by Hon. Salisu Maje Ahmad Gwangwazo (Alhajin Baba) and Malam Muhammad Ibrahim Kankarofi. Attendees included prominent party members and former appointees such as Hamza Darma, Alhaji Faruq Iya, Fa’izu Alfindiki, Hon. Dan Bello Aminu, former Managing Director Uba Zubairu Yakasai, and former Managing Director Arc. Sulaiman, among others. The group reportedly discussed party strategy and passed resolutions on its future direction.
The holding of separate meetings, originally intended to foster unity, instead highlights the persistent rivalry between the Ganduje and Senator Barau Jibrin factions within Kano’s APC structure. This schism long predates the recent defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) back to the APC, indicating deeply rooted disagreements over influence and control.
Political observers stress that the failure to reconcile these factions ahead of the 2027 general elections poses a significant risk to the APC’s dominance in Kano. The continued division could weaken the party’s organizational coherence and voter appeal, potentially creating an opening for the NNPP—which remains a potent force in the state under the banner of the Kwankwasiyya movement—to regain political ground.
The parallel meetings serve as a stark indicator that internal cohesion remains elusive. Without a decisive resolution to the leadership impasse, the APC’s capacity to present a united front in Kano, a critical electoral state, is likely to remain compromised as the next election cycle approaches.
