President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing increasing pressure to reconsider Abdullahi Yusuf Ata, former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, as the ministerial nominee for Kano State.
Stakeholders within the Kano chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are opposing Ata’s nomination, accusing him of engaging in “anti-party activities” during the 2023 general elections.
A senior APC member, speaking to Kano Times on condition of anonymity, claimed that Ata’s loyalty to the party is questionable, citing his conduct in Fagge, his local government area.
“Many party members are uncomfortable with Ata’s nomination,” the source disclosed. “There were concerns about his commitment during the last election, and we’re not confident he represents the party’s interests.”
APC members in Kano have reportedly been lobbying the Presidency to reconsider Ata’s appointment, advocating instead for candidates with demonstrated loyalty to the party’s values.
Another party insider commented, “We have several qualified candidates who have remained loyal and could better serve Kano. This nomination has unsettled many key figures within the party.”
Last week, 50,000 APC members from Kano signed a petition opposing Ata’s nomination, addressed to President Tinubu, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Barrister Abubakar, leading the group, stated that the members plan to present their petition at the National Assembly and APC headquarters.
Abubakar argued that Ata’s record makes him unsuitable to represent Kano on the Federal Executive Council, pointing to alleged anti-party activities during the 2023 elections and his prior impeachment as Speaker over claims of incompetence.
“Ata was unable to secure his polling unit for the APC in the presidential election,” he said, adding that Ata’s relations with APC stakeholders and his constituents have been strained, with a past recall attempt only halted by the intervention of then-Governor Ganduje and Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
The group suggests replacing Ata with individuals seen as more aligned with party interests, such as Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Bashir Garba Lado, or State Party Chairman Abdullahi Abbas. “Ata does not represent the best interests of Kano State or the APC,” Abubakar concluded.
