The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has formally issued a warning letter to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. The party accused the Minister of making “unguided” public remarks, which it believes are capable of causing misunderstanding and disunity within the party’s ranks.

The stern warning was contained in a letter signed by Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State APC chairman. The letter explicitly cautioned that disciplinary action might be taken against the Minister if he fails to address what the party described as acts of insubordination. Significant party figures, including President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and various zonal leaders, were copied on the query, highlighting the gravity with which the party views the situation.

The APC leadership expressed particular concern over Minister Ata’s recent comments regarding internal party affairs and political aspirants. The letter stated, “The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has observed with concern recent comments you made in the media regarding internal party matters and aspirants. These statements have the tendency to provoke misunderstandings and disunity among members. Issues relating to party affairs fall strictly within the purview of the APC leadership and its designated spokespersons.”

Chairman Abbas further clarified that the Minister does not hold any public relations responsibility within the party, and therefore, his comments risked being misconstrued as the official position of the APC. While acknowledging the Minister’s right to support any aspirant, the chairman stressed that, by virtue of his position as a Minister and a member of the Federal Executive Council, he is expected to engage on issues that foster unity among all party members.

The party also noted a recurring pattern of “uncomplimentary and derogatory public pronouncements” from the Minister. It cautioned him to immediately desist from such actions, explicitly warning that any further violations could lead to more severe disciplinary measures.

In response to the warning, Minister Ata firmly asserted his constitutional right to freely express his opinions, stating he would not relinquish this fundamental right. He expressed his disapproval of how the warning letter was handled, noting, “I believe it is inappropriate for a Minister of the Federal Republic or any party member to first see a letter intended for them on the internet before it is officially delivered.” The Minister also insisted he was unaware of any specific offense or breach of party rules, pointing out that the letter failed to cite any particular statement, action, or conduct that constituted wrongdoing. He reiterated, “As a Nigerian citizen, I fully reserve the constitutional right to express my personal opinions.”