The absence of Kano state All Progressives Congress leaders during Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to Kano state has raised questions about possible rifts within the APC
Shettima paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, but was welcomed into the state by government officials who are NNPP chieftains.
The development has stirred fresh debate in the polity with some alleging a crack in the APC following the sudden resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as national chairman of the party.…CONTINUE READING
Legit reported that Ganduje stepped down from his position as the APC national chairman in Abuja, the nation’s capital on June 27, 2025.
Ganduje cited health reasons for his decision, stating that he needs to focus on his well-being but the resignation of the former governor of Kano state as APC chairman has been linked to the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.
Many believed that some APC leaders in the state were unhappy about Ganduje’s ouster as APC national chairman and questioning the role Shettima played in the situation.
Interestingly, Shettima’s visit was to pay tribute to the late business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away recently, and to commiserate with the people of Kano over the loss.
Daily Trust reported that at such high-profile events in Nigeria, it is customary for party leaders and supporters to welcome top-ranking officials like the vice president, but the situation was different during Shettima’s visit, thus sparking debate.
However, the secretary of the APC in Kano state, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, dismissed speculations of a boycott or internal wranglings.
He told Daily Trust that the absence of party leaders at the condolence visit was purely due to miscommunication.
“We were fully aware of the visit, but communication came late. Before we could mobilise and move, it was already too late. Because the government was closer and already prepared, it took charge of the reception,” Sarina explained.
Despite the explanation, party supporters remain divided on the issue. Speaking on the matter, Dr. Musa Auwal, a political analyst told Daily Trust that the party must tread carefully.
“The APC in Kano has always played a major role in national politics, and any friction between the Kano structure and the presidency or perceived disloyalty could be politically costly in the long run,” he said.
