APC Queries Housing Minister Over Public Comments

Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a cautionary letter to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, warning him against making public statements deemed capable of causing disunity within the party.

In the letter signed by the state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, the party expressed concern over what it described as “uncomplimentary and derogatory” comments recently attributed to the minister regarding internal party affairs and aspirants.

The APC leadership said such remarks could trigger misunderstandings and disunity among members, stressing that only authorised party officials are permitted to speak on internal matters.

“You are not assigned a public relations role within the party, and such public comments may be wrongly interpreted as official party positions,” the letter said.

It further reminded the minister that, as a member of the Federal Executive Council, he was expected to promote unity and cohesion within the party.

The chairman warned that continued infractions could attract disciplinary action.

The letter was copied to President Bola Tinubu; APC national chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; former Kano governor and party leader, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the APC North-West Zonal Vice Chairman.

Responding, Ata faulted the circulation of the letter on social media before an official copy reached him, describing it as inappropriate.

“It is inappropriate for a minister of the Federal Republic or any member of the party to first see and read a letter intended for him on the internet before such is delivered to him,” he said.

He also criticised the letter for failing to specify the statements or actions that warranted the warning, arguing that vague accusations were impossible to address constructively.

Ata maintained that he had never claimed to speak for the APC, insisting his comments were personal expressions protected by the constitution. He reiterated his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party.

“I remain a dedicated and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, consistently promoting the progressive developmental vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” he stated.