Politics

APC Queries Minister For Insubordination As Fresh Crisis Rocks Party In Kano

Published

6 months ago

November 22, 2025

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, for making “unguided” comments capable of provoking misunderstandings and disunity within the party.

In a query letter signed by the Kano State APC Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the party threatened disciplinary action against the Minister if he failed to respond to what it considers acts of insubordination.

The letter was copied to the party’s national leadership, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and zonal leaders.

The letter reads: “The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has observed with concern recent comments you made in the media regarding internal party matters and aspirants.

“These statements have the tendency to provoke misunderstandings and disunity among members. Issues relating to party affairs fall strictly within the purview of the APC leadership and its designated spokespersons.”

Abbas added: “You are not assigned any public relations role within the party, and such public comments may be wrongly interpreted as official party positions.

“Although you have the right to support and promote any aspirant of your choice, by virtue of your position as a Minister and member of the Federal Executive Council, you are expected to engage on issues that facilitate the unity of all party members.

“The party has observed that you habitually make uncomplimentary and derogatory public pronouncements. You are hereby warned to restrain from such behavior; failure to do so may compel the party to take further disciplinary action.”

In response, Minister Ata described the query as baseless, lacking specific accusations, and said he had not received an official copy of the letter, learning of it instead through social media.

He insisted that he possesses the constitutional right to express his opinions freely and would not relinquish that right.

Ata stated: “I am not aware of any offense or breach of party rules. I believe it is inappropriate for a Minister of the Federal Republic or any party member to first see a letter intended for them on the internet before it is officially delivered.

“The letter does not cite any specific statement, action, or conduct that amounts to wrongdoing. As a Nigerian citizen, I fully reserve the constitutional right to express my personal opinions.

“At no point have I claimed to speak on behalf of the party. Every comment I made was strictly in my personal capacity. I remain firmly committed to the constructive policies and renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.”

The exchange between the party leadership and the Minister has further exposed internal crises within APC in Kano, as various factions jockey for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Members of the party are reportedly divided among major power blocs, with some supporting the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, while others back former National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The crisis deepened when some party stakeholders endorsed Ganduje as the state party leader, bypassing Barau, who is the highest-ranking political officer in Kano APC. Although the endorsement was claimed to be unanimous, Barau denied any involvement.

Recently, party stalwart Hon. Alwan Hassan accused Barau of obstructing the confirmation of Ramat Garba at the National Assembly for the presidential nomination as head of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Hassan also alleged that Barau orchestrated the removal of former Minister of Housing, Alh. Abdullahi Gwarzo, replacing him with Ata.

In a counter statement, Muhammad Abubakar, leader of the Coalition Tinubu Support Organization, dismissed Hassan’s claims, accusing him of advancing the interests of certain leaders to tarnish the reputation of the Deputy Senate President.
(GUARDIAN)

Politics

NDC Warri Fed. Constituency Candidate, Mulade, Pledges Inclusive Representation

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Editor

The winner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Warri Federal Constituency, Dr Sheriff Mulade, has
assured constituents of prioritising their interests through effective, people-oriented, and responsive representation if elected at the general election.

This was contained in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Warri on Saturday.

Chief Mulade, while expressing profound gratitude to party delegates, supporters, and constituents for the overwhelming support that secured him victory, described the outcome of the election as a demonstration of the confidence, trust, and acceptance reposed in him by the people of Warri Federal Constituency.

The environmental rights activist and peace advocate said he remains humbled by the mandate entrusted on him.

According to him, the victory belongs, not just to him, but to every resident of the constituency who believes in the ideals of good governance, unity, and sustainable development.

“I deeply appreciate all those who participated in the electoral process, especially the delegates, supporters, and well-wishers who stood firmly behind my aspiration. Your support, trust, and confidence mean a great deal to me,” he stated.

Comrade Mulade further called for unity, peaceful coexistence, and collective progress among the three major ethnic nationalities that make up the constituency—the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo—stressing that the future of Warri Federal Constituency depends on collaboration and mutual inclusiveness.

He noted that the outcome of the primary election reflects the people’s desire for inclusive leadership, grassroots-driven representation, and a renewed commitment towards addressing the developmental needs of the constituency.

“I dedicate this victory to God Almighty and all the people of Warri Federal Constituency whom I seek to serve. This mandate is a call to greater responsibility, and I assure you that I will not let you down. Together, we shall build a constituency where every community has a voice and every citizen has a stake in our collective progress,” Mulade added.

The NDC candidate also urged party members and supporters to remain united and focused as the party prepares for the next phase of the electoral process.

He emphasized that victory can only be sustained through solidarity, commitment, and a shared vision for the development of Warri Federal Constituency.

Politics

‘The Country Is Bleeding’ – Oba Olaitan On Why Nigerians Must Replace Tinubu In 2027

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

The leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has explained why Nigerians, through the ballot, must as a matter of urgency, replace the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government in 2027.

He said Nigeria urgently needs a change of government to address insecurity, economic hardship, and threats to democracy.

Olaitan spoke this weekend at the SDP 2026 National Convention and Presidential Primaries held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi State.

Addressing delegates and party members, the Afenifere leader said Nigeria was currently “bleeding” under the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration.

According to him, worsening insecurity across the country has left citizens living in fear.

“Our people can no longer sleep with both eyes closed because of the unrelenting wave of insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal clashes that have turned farmlands into killing fields and turned hope into fear,” he said.

Olaitan also lamented the state of the economy, saying the rising cost of living had pushed many Nigerians into hardship.

“At the same time, the economy has been brought to its nadir. Prices of basic goods have gone beyond the reach of ordinary families. Our youths roam the streets without jobs, and our farmers and traders struggle daily just to survive,” he stated.

The Afenifere leader accused the APC government of weakening opposition parties and undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nigerian democracy is under threat today with a government that is jittery about constructive opposition,” he said.

“As we are all aware, the APC government breaks any identifiable opposition into fractious factions, while destroying the very basis of the multiparty system.”

Olaitan maintained that the suffering in the country was a result of wrong policy choices and not an act of God.

“This suffering of many is not an act of God. It is the direct result of wrong choices and of neoliberal economic policies that put market forces and elite comfort above the welfare of the people,” he added.

He said the next general election should not be seen as a battle between ethnic or religious groups but between the ruling party and Nigerians facing poverty and hardship.

According to him, the SDP remains the party best positioned to deliver social justice, economic recovery, and democratic inclusion.

“SDP is not just another political party; it is the party that best reflects the values of social justice, equity, and a genuine concern for the masses and for democracy,” he said.

Politics

NDC Clears Air On Reports Of Aspirants Being Prevented From Participating In Primaries

Published

5 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

The Screening and Selection Committees of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has reacted to the reports that some aspirants are allegedly being prevented from participating in the ongoing party primaries across the country.

In a statement signed by Osa Director Esq., the National Publicity Secretary, NDC, the party said categorically that all aspirants who successfully completed the screening process have been duly cleared and are therefore eligible to participate in the primaries.

“Consequently, any action by any state chapter or party official aimed at preventing a duly cleared aspirant from participating in the exercise is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement said.

“No aspirant should be denied the opportunity to participate in the primaries in any part of the country.”

The NDC said it remains a progressive and people-oriented political party firmly committed to the principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.

It added, “It is therefore unacceptable for any arm of the party’s administrative structure to act contrary to these core values and guiding principles.”

The party said that members and officials at all levels are directed to ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently, and strictly in accordance with the constitution, guidelines, and regulations of the party.

It said, “The primaries for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections will hold nationwide on May 29, 2026.

“Aspirants are further advised to note that, aside from the State Assembly primaries, which will hold within the respective constituency areas, all other primaries shall take place at the local government level as earlier communicated by the party.”