Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Atah, has dismissed a warning issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano. Atah insisted that his recent comments about Barau were made within his rights and were not intended to create tension within the party.
The APC in Kano, in a letter signed by its chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, accused the minister of acting as the party’s mouthpiece and making remarks that could cause disaffection among members. The party warned that continued behavior of this kind could lead to disciplinary action.
The letter was copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national secretariat.
However, Atah, through a statement released by his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, on Saturday, rejected the accusation. According to the statement, he would not be intimidated for expressing honest opinions meant to strengthen the party.
“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.”
He noted that with President Tinubu suspending international engagements to address urgent security matters, party leaders should be focused on unity, not internal disputes.
“At a time like this, every patriotic leader should prioritize unity, focus, and unwavering support for the Commander-in-Chief,” the statement added.
Atah stressed that he had a constitutional right to express his views. “The minister is first and foremost a citizen of Nigeria with constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and opinion.”
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and to President Tinubu, describing claims that he was causing disaffection as unfounded and based on a narrow understanding of democratic rights.
“If offering a sincere, well-reasoned and patriotic opinion on the future of the party ahead of the 2027 elections is what the writers consider wrongdoing, then the minister stands guilty as charged, guilty only of loving his party enough to speak truthfully,” the statement said.
The minister also addressed the controversy around his recent endorsement of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau’s 2027 governorship ambition, which many believe triggered the warning from the Kano APC. “For the avoidance of doubt, the minister’s recent comments on the suitability of Senator Barau Jibrin were personal and patriotic assessments, not official party declarations,” the statement clarified.
Atah described Senator Barau as the most viable and unifying choice for the APC to reclaim Kano in 2027. He noted that his view was based on long-term engagement with grassroots politics.
“The minister remains committed to the APC, to the President, and to the peace and progress of Kano State,” the statement added.
