Kano Group Faults APC Patriotic Volunteers, Defends Abba Yusuf’s Administration
A civic group, Nigeria Democracy Working Team, has criticized recent remarks made by a former Secretary to the Government of Kano State, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, describing them as misleading and a desperate attempt to regain political relevance.
In a press release signed by the State Coordinator, Muhammad Salis, the group dismissed the allegations leveled by Alhaji Usman under the banner of “APC Patriotic Volunteers,” where he accused the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)-led administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of lacking direction, competence, and clear policy initiatives.
Salis said it was important to respond to what he termed “misinformation and distortion of facts,” stating that Alhaji Usman Alhaji’s critique was “harsh, unfounded, and politically motivated.”
The group alleged that the former government official, who previously held high-ranking positions including General Secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) and Commissioner of Education, had consistently failed in electoral contests. He was described as a politician “desperately clinging to relevance” through fringe political support groups.
“Alhaji Usman Alhaji’s political career is marked by serial defeats and minimal grassroots impact. His latest outburst reflects not facts but frustration from repeated electoral losses and a decline in political relevance,” the statement read.
The release recalled that Alhaji Usman Alhaji lost senatorial bids under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007 and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011. In 2015, he reportedly withdrew from the gubernatorial race for Abdullahi Ganduje in return for the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), a role he held for 11 years under two administrations.
“His tenure was marked by poor performance and lack of innovation, with no lasting legacies to his name,” the statement added.
Salis argued that the current NNPP-led government under Governor Abba Yusuf has made commendable strides in education, healthcare, and agriculture, contrary to the APC group’s accusations. He said the people of Kano are witnessing “clear and palpable” developments under the present administration.
The statement concluded by asserting that the criticisms from Alhaji Usman Alhaji amount to “a betrayal of the state” and urged the public to remain focused on the ongoing reforms and achievements of the NNPP government.
