Minister Atah rejects Kano APC warning, reaffirms support for Barau

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Atah, has responded to the warning issued to him by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, stating that his recent statements were made within his democratic rights, without intention of causing friction within the party.

The Kano chapter of the APC had in a letter, signed by the party’s state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, accused Atah of “acting as the mouthpiece of the party and making remarks capable of causing disaffection among members.”

The letter added: “The party observed that you (minister) are in the habit of making such uncomplimentary and derogatory public pronouncement and therefore has no alternative than to warn you to restrain from such behavior, failure in which the party may be compelled to take disciplinary action against you.”

The letter was copied to President Bola Tinubu and the national secretariat of the APC.

But in a statement by his publicity aide, Seyi Olorunsola, the minister said he was issuing a formal response for clarity purpose, public education, and restating his unwavering loyalty to the party and Mr. President.

Atah cautioned against dragging internal party matters to national spotlight at a time when the country is grappling with urgent security concerns.

The statement said: “The Honourable Minister views the decision to draft and circulate such a letter—especially one copied to the president—at a time when Nigeria faces a declared national security emergency, as an unnecessary distraction.

“With the President suspending his international engagements, including the G-20 Summit in South Africa and a planned AU meeting in Angola, in order to attend to urgent state security matters, the priority of every patriotic leader should be unity, focus, and unwavering support for the Commander-in-Chief.

“The minister wishes to reaffirm that, beyond being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a proud member of the APC in Kano State, he is first and foremost a citizen of Nigeria with constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and opinion.

“The minister’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the APC is unquestionable and has been demonstrated consistently through sacrifice and commitment to the party’s ideals.

“Therefore, any suggestion that his recent public comments amount to ‘disaffection’ or an attempt to arrogate party leadership to himself is not only unfounded but reflects a narrow and erroneous understanding of democratic rights and internal party dynamics.

Atah also addressed concerns following his recent endorsement of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau’s 2027 governorship ambition, which party members said prompted the warning from the Kano APC.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the minister’s recent comments on the suitability of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, as the most viable gubernatorial candidate for the APC in 2027, were personal and patriotic assessments—not official party declarations.

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“Senator Barau represents, in the minister’s view, the strongest and most unifying choice for the APC to reclaim Government House Kano at the 2027 general election.”