The absence of Kano State All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders during Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s recent condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, has ignited debate within political circles.
Daily Trust reports that while Kano State government officials—who belong to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)—were on hand to receive the Vice President, officials of the state APC chapter were notably absent during last Thursday’s visit.
The development has fueled speculation, with some observers alleging that it reflects cracks within the APC following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the party’s national chairman.
Ganduje, a former Kano State governor who still holds considerable political influence in the state, resigned as APC national chairman on June 27 amid intense political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Pundits suggest that some APC leaders in the state remain aggrieved over Ganduje’s removal and have questioned the role Vice-President Shettima may have played in the process.
It was gathered that Shettima’s visit was to pay his respects to the late business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, and to console the people of Kano over the loss.
At events of such significance, it is customary for party leaders and supporters to welcome dignitaries of the Vice President’s stature. The absence of Kano APC figures during Shettima’s visit has, therefore, sparked widespread discussion.
“It wasn’t political” – APC
In a bid to douse tensions, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, Secretary of the Kano APC, dismissed any notion of a boycott or internal discord. He attributed the absence of party leaders to late communication regarding the Vice President’s itinerary.
“We were fully aware of the visit, but communication came late. Before we could mobilise and move, it was already too late. Because the government was closer and already prepared, it took charge of the reception,” Sarina said.
“Honestly, it has no link to any political development whatsoever. We were just informed late, and even the state government was informed late. We later extended our appreciation to him (Vice President) for the visit, and he fully understood the situation,” he added.
Despite these reassurances, opinions among party supporters remain divided.
Abdullahi Kabiru, an APC loyalist in Gwale, voiced his disappointment: “This is the Vice President of the country, and we couldn’t even organise a reception for him? That sends a very wrong message. Whether it was miscommunication or not, it reflects disunity.”
However, Amina Sani from Tarauni offered a more measured response: “I believe the explanation by the party is valid. Things happen in politics, especially with schedules shifting. But I also hope this doesn’t become a habit. We must respect our leaders and their offices regardless of any political differences.”
Dr. Musa Auwal, a political analyst, cautioned the APC to be mindful of the implications. “Whether or not the incident was deliberate, the optics matter. When top party leaders appear divided in public, it weakens the base and emboldens opposition forces.
“The APC in Kano has always played a major role in national politics, and any friction between the Kano structure and the presidency or perceived disloyalty could be politically costly in the long run,” he warned.
