APC’s absence at Shettima visit sparks Kano controversy

The absence of key All Progressives Congress (APC) figures during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s condolence visit to Kano has stirred political debate and speculation of internal discord within the party’s state APC’s absence at Shettima visit sparks Kano controversy.

Shettima had visited to pay his respects to the late elder statesman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a revered figure in northern Nigeria, but found no APC leaders on hand to receive him.

In stark contrast, officials from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which controls the Kano State Government, were on ground to welcome the Vice President during last Thursday’s visit. This has drawn public scrutiny, especially in light of the recent resignation of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as national chairman of the APC—a move seen by many as a trigger for unrest among party loyalists in Kano.

Ganduje, a former governor and influential power broker in Kano politics, stepped down on June 27 amid mounting intra-party tension ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political watchers believe some APC members in the state may have expressed their dissatisfaction with his ouster by deliberately skipping the Vice President’s visit, although no official statements have confirmed such motives.

However, the Secretary of the APC in Kano, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, dismissed any insinuation of a boycott. He attributed the party’s absence to a late notification, which he said made it logistically impossible to organize a timely reception.

“We were informed too late, and by the time we were ready, the government had already taken over the arrangements,” he explained. Sarina added that the party later conveyed its appreciation to Shettima for the visit.

Despite this clarification, reactions among party supporters in the state remain mixed. Abdullahi Kabiru, an APC loyalist in Gwale, expressed disappointment: “This is the Vice President of Nigeria, and we couldn’t even show up? That’s unacceptable and reflects poorly on the party.” Conversely, Amina Sani of Tarauni noted that while the incident was regrettable, the explanation given was plausible and should not be overblown.

Political analyst Dr. Musa Auwal warned that incidents like this, even if unintended, can carry heavy political consequences. “Perceptions matter. If APC leaders appear divided or disconnected from the presidency, it weakens their stance and gives the opposition an edge,” he noted, urging the party to maintain unity ahead of crucial political battles.

The APC in Kano has historically wielded significant influence in national elections, making any signs of internal friction a matter of national interest. Whether the incident was a genuine oversight or a symptom of deeper political unrest, it has once again spotlighted the complexities of Nigeria’s party politics and the high stakes of strategic alignment.