APC Must Stand Together: Let Common Sense Prevail — or Else…

APC Must Stand Together: Let Common Sense Prevail — or Else…

By Binta Spikin

We are amidst interesting times. I say this because, from the goings-on, APC Kano seems to be having a hell of a time. It is at war from within, with almost everyone coming at his perceived foe, guns ablaze, and we don’t know when it started, neither are we in the know as to when it will end.

However, we are afraid that this inferno could consume us all. But then, who is going to preach words of caution and discretion to us?

Since losing the 2023 governorship and other elections, APC Kano has unofficially moved its headquarters to Kano North. This is because Kano North had been privileged to win most of the positions contested, producing a Senator, Members of the House of Representatives, as well as seats in the State Assembly. To cap this victory, the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, emerged as the first Acting National Chairman of the APC and later became its substantive Chairman. These privileges put Kano North ahead, among other things.

Hence, it is not surprising that at this material time, when everybody is at loggerheads with everyone, Kano North is the centre stage. I am not privy to all the issues of contention, so my focus will be on the actors and my assumption of what could be.

First up is the former Governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the APC, among so many former positions held, in the person of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. In my understanding, Dr Ganduje is not contesting any position for now, so all he needs is respect, which he rightly deserves—as a father figure, as the face of the opposition in Kano, as a seasoned politician and strategist. Being in the system for decades allows him a broader understanding and gives him a power that is undeniable.

There is also Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jibrin (Maliya), who has shown interest in contesting the governorship position. Mark you, he is presently the Deputy President of the Senate, and we all know the sacrifices he made, and continues to make, for APC Kano. His power, therefore, is not in contention.

Another active participant in this scenario is Engineer Abubakar Kabir Abubakar (Abba Bichi), who is the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and Chairman, Committee on Appropriation. He is very powerful and smart. What is more? He has also given a lot to the party, and from my understanding, he may contest for Kano State Governor, but his candidacy comes from the goodwill of the people.

Also in the thick of it is His Excellency, Murtala Sule Garo—a political heavyweight that no one could ignore; and if you do, it would be at your own peril because of his hold on the grassroots. His power comes from relationships built over time and continuous service to the people, within and out of government.

At the back of the scenes, there are people like Engineer Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi and Arch. Aminu Dabo, and several other old-school politicians who understand political terrains because the game is their playbook. All these are on one side.

On the flip side are other politicians who are not as strong, are not from Kano North, but are way in too deep—people like me. I write this piece so that the active power brokers could have a feel of our predicament. While all of you actively do this politicking, people who have access to us do not let us rest. For example, we could be called upon as early as 8 a.m. and be asked for help about a sick child or other sundry matters, and we have to oblige because even when we give excuses, they do not relent. They are patient; they will wait for another time to strike, and we just have to comply. All these we do for you so that you can utilize your war chest to wrestle power away from our opponents. We don’t deserve this inner wrangling and show of force. It will not augur well.

We are loyal party men and women who share party ideology with others who feel we should be responsible for them. We also feel that sense of responsibility because of the bond we share, made possible through party sportsmanship. These relationships of give and take are what make us solid. That, in fact, is what makes us our brothers’ keepers—together, forever. But then, we are out of government, and there is a limit to what we could do. That is why we want the APC back in power, at least to ease the burden and be more useful. And sincerely speaking, APC Kano has the potential and all it takes to capitalize on the gaffe of the current NNPP administration and take the mantle of leadership in Kano.

If only we could stop this bickering and infighting. My point is this: those at the thick of this inner wrangling are not the only recipients of its aftermath—it is everyone. Because at the direction we are going, happenings suggest mutual destruction, at least at the polls. So we appeal to all those at the top to please let common sense prevail. Let us stand together, forever. Else…