Abdullahi Abbas’ Future Uncertain as Kano APC Eyes New Leadership
With the tenure of the Kano State All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, drawing to a close, the race for his successor has begun in earnest. Key political figures within the party are strategizing to replace him, signaling potential shifts in the party’s leadership, Daily Trust reports.
Abbas, who first assumed the position on August 6, 2017, was elected during an intra-party election that filled 15 vacant positions. His leadership was initially opposed by then-Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiyya loyalists. Despite the political turbulence, Abbas reclaimed the chairmanship on August 20, 2018, following an intervention from the APC national headquarters, which had briefly appointed Engineer Bashir Karaye as acting chairman to mediate disputes between former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Kwankwaso.
However, recent developments suggest a concerted effort to usher in new leadership, with former Kano State Commissioner for Finance under Kwankwaso’s administration, Ibrahim Dan Azumi Gwarzo, declaring his intention to contest.
Reports indicate that former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji—who previously served as National Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC)—is backing Gwarzo’s ambition.
In addition to Gwarzo, two other contenders have reportedly emerged: Muntari Ishaq Yakasai, a former Commissioner for Special Duties, and Yusuf Tumfafi, who served as Special Adviser on Grassroots Mobilization during Ganduje’s tenure.
Speaking anonymously, a party chieftain from Dala Local Government Area told Daily Trust that Abbas may still contest for the position, but new aspirants could have the upper hand due to the political aspirations of several influential party figures.
When contacted, the APC State Secretary, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, confirmed that the party has yet to release a timetable for the state congress.
He noted that while Dan Azumi Gwarzo is the only aspirant who has formally notified the party of his intention to contest, the executives are aware of the speculated ambitions of other candidates.
Although the party has not commenced the sale of nomination forms, sources indicate that new party executives may be elected between August and October this year.
As the race for Kano APC’s leadership intensifies, party members and political stakeholders are closely watching how the contest unfolds and whether Abdullahi Abbas will seek re-election or bow out amid rising opposition.
