Missing APC Leaders At VP Shettima’s Kano Visit Sparks Political Ripples

The absence of prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to Kano State has triggered widespread reactions, raising fresh concerns over potential cracks within the party’s ranks.

Naija News reports that Vice President Shettima was in Kano last Thursday to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman and respected industrialist, Aminu Dantata. However, while officials from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led state government were on hand to receive him, key APC leaders in Kano were noticeably missing.

This absence was particularly striking given the APC’s long-standing dominance in Kano’s political space. The development comes barely a week after the resignation of former Kano governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as APC National Chairman on June 27 — a move that many believe has unsettled the party’s local structure.

Though Ganduje’s resignation reasons remain unclarified, speculations point to internal power struggles linked to preparations for the 2027 elections. Observers are now questioning whether Shettima’s Kano visit so soon after Ganduje’s exit might have led to a subtle protest by the former chairman’s loyalists.

APC Responds: ‘No Political Undertones, Just Late Notice’

Addressing the controversy, the Secretary of the APC in Kano, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, dismissed any talk of political sabotage. Speaking with Daily Trust, Sarina explained that the party’s absence was purely due to late communication.

“We were fully aware of the visit, but communication came late. By the time we attempted to mobilise, it was too late. The state government was already prepared to receive the Vice President,” he said.

Sarina stressed that there was no deliberate snub, adding, “It has no link to any political development whatsoever. We later sent our appreciation to the Vice President, and he completely understood the situation.”

Supporters React As Analysts Warn Of Fallout

Despite the party’s explanation, the incident has divided supporters. Abdullahi Kabiru, an APC loyalist in Gwale, expressed disappointment, saying:

“This is the Vice President of Nigeria, and we couldn’t even organise a reception? Whether it was poor communication or not, it sends a wrong message. It suggests disunity.”

Conversely, Amina Sani from Tarauni defended the party, noting, “I believe their explanation. Schedules change all the time in politics. Still, we must ensure this doesn’t repeat itself, as we owe respect to our leaders.”

Political analyst Musa Auwal warned that regardless of intentions, the optics were troubling.

“When top party figures appear divided publicly, it weakens the grassroots and strengthens the opposition. Kano has always been pivotal to national politics, so any rift could prove costly,” he cautioned.