The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously declared unflinching loyalty to former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as ‘undisputed leader’ in Kano.

The endorsement of Ganduje was passed on Tuesday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Kano amid the conspicuous absence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Hon. Barau I. Jibril, and Minister of State for Housing, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.

In a resolution signed by Kano APC Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, and read by Alhassan Ado Doguwa, member representing Doguwa/Tudun-Wada Federal Constituency, at the end of the meeting, it was stated that Ganduje’s visionary leadership during his tenure in office strengthened the internal structures of the party.

Reading the resolution, Doguwa disclosed that Ganduje would remain indelible for notable achievements recorded under his stewardship, including the establishment of the Progressive Institute, a first-of-its-kind democratic training centre.

Although Barau was reflected as one of the key stakeholders at the meeting, The Guardian gathered that the Deputy President of the Senate was far away abroad.

“The Deputy President of the Senate was not part of the meeting because he had travelled abroad following the demise of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Nelda Mohammed, in London on Saturday. He travelled on Sunday,” a reliable source revealed.

The absence of Barau and the Minister, who was considered as DPS’s strong ally, has further widened the perceived crack in the ranks of APC in Kano.

The impending crack, pundits believe, may soon threaten the unity of the party, considering the fact that Barau, who presently occupies the highest political office in the party, deserved the endorsement.

According to the resolution, after careful study of his tenure, stakeholders expressed deep appreciation for the visionary and exemplary leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, immediate past National Chairman of the APC, who voluntarily resigned his position.

It continued, “His tenure was widely lauded for promoting inclusivity, driving key institutional reforms, and strengthening the internal structures of the party. The e-registration exercise marked a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive and secure digital database of party members across the country.

“The initiation of the Skill Acquisition Programme, designed to empower youths and women with sustainable livelihoods and vocational training, as well as laying a solid ideological and structural foundation for a more robust and resilient party in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These milestones have positioned the APC for sustained relevance and organizational strength across the country. This leadership trait attracted both national and international recognition, including commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

Ahead of the bye-election, the stakeholders also expressed APC’s readiness to galvanize party loyalty to reclaim the three vacant seats at the State House of Assembly.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed 16th August 2025 for the conduct of the bye-election to occupy Shannon, Bagwai, and Ghari State constituencies.