Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Atah, has responded to a warning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, asserting that his comments about Senator Jibrin Barau were within his rights as a citizen and party member. The Kano APC had accused Atah of making remarks that could cause disaffection among party members and warned of potential disciplinary action.
The controversy began when Atah expressed support for Barau’s 2027 governorship ambition, which some party members viewed as an attempt to influence the party’s decision. In a letter signed by its chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano APC accused Atah of acting as the party’s mouthpiece and creating tension within the organization. The letter was copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national secretariat.
Through a statement released by his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, Atah maintained that his comments were personal and patriotic assessments, not official party declarations. He emphasized his constitutional right to express his views and declared that he would not be intimidated for doing so. Citing Nigeria’s national security emergency, he urged party leaders to prioritize unity and support the president.
Atah reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and the president, describing the claims that he was causing disaffection as unfounded and based on a narrow understanding of democratic rights. He explained that his endorsement of Barau stemmed from long‑term engagement with grassroots politics and his belief that Barau is the most viable and unifying choice for the APC to reclaim Kano in 2027.
The minister’s response highlights the ongoing debate within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. His comments have sparked discussion about the party’s future and the role of its members in shaping its direction. As the party navigates this period of transition, Atah’s statement reinforces the importance of unity and loyalty to the party and its leadership, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the APC’s prospects in Kano State.
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