The absence of top Kano State All Progressives Congress (APC) officials during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s condolence visit to the family of late elder statesman Alhaji Aminu Dantata has stirred political debate and speculation about internal divisions within the party.
While officials of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)-led Kano State Government were present to receive the Vice President last Thursday, APC leaders were noticeably absent, raising questions over the party’s unity—especially following the resignation of former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Ganduje, a key political figure in Kano and former state governor, stepped down on June 27 amidst internal party maneuverings ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some observers suggest his removal may have unsettled APC’s Kano leadership, and speculated that the absence of party figures during Shettima’s visit might signal dissatisfaction or rifts within the party.
Vice President Shettima was in Kano to pay tribute to the late business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, and to console his family and the wider Kano community. In Nigerian political tradition, such high-profile visits typically draw the presence and support of local party leaders. However, the absence of APC figures during Shettima’s visit was widely noticed and sparked public discourse.
APC Denies Political Motive
Addressing the controversy, APC Kano State Secretary, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, dismissed suggestions of a deliberate boycott or internal conflict. He attributed the absence to late communication.
“We were aware of the visit, but the information reached us late. By the time we tried to mobilise, it was already too late,” Sarina said. “Since the state government was nearby and ready, it handled the reception. We’ve since extended our appreciation to the Vice President, who understood the situation.”
Despite this explanation, reactions within the party and across Kano remain mixed.
Abdullahi Kabiru, an APC supporter from Gwale, expressed disappointment. “This is the Vice President of the country. Whether it was poor communication or not, our absence sends the wrong message. It reflects division,” he said.
Conversely, Amina Sani, a party loyalist from Tarauni, accepted the explanation but called for better coordination. “I believe the party’s clarification is valid. Mistakes happen. But going forward, we must not allow such lapses to repeat. Respect for our leaders is critical.”
Analysts Warn of Political Implications
Political analyst Dr. Musa Auwal warned that even if unintentional, the optics of the situation could hurt APC’s cohesion and influence in the state.
“Public perception matters,” he said. “Whether deliberate or not, visible disunity among party leaders weakens the structure and emboldens opposition forces. The Kano APC has historically played a key role in national politics, and any rift—real or perceived—could prove costly in the future.”
As political watchers continue to assess the implications, the incident underscores the importance of unity and strategic coordination within party ranks—particularly in a politically influential state like Kano.
