Kano, July 18, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to the family of the late business icon Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata in Kano has sparked a rare moment of unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. According to Daily Trust’s Abba Anwar, the event brought together previously divided factions of the party, now marching in solidarity around the President.
Key Highlights
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Warm reception at MAKIA
Tinubu landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and was greeted by a high-profile delegation that included Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, former deputy governor and 2023 APC governorship candidate Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, along with other state leaders and party executives. -
Bridging the divides
Observers noted that the gathering marked a symbolic “phoenix-like rebirth” of APC in Kano, with rival party heavyweights like Murtala Sule Garo, Abdullahi Abbas, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, and even formerly feuding House reps Hafizu Kawu and Nasiru Bala Ja’o’ji appearing together in solidarity. -
Tinubu’s personal tribute
In remarks covered by Salim Umar Ibrahim, President Tinubu described Dantata as a man of integrity, generosity, and a spiritual pillar, revealing that he had personally sought Dantata’s prayers before his 2023 presidential campaign and will deeply “miss him”.
Significance & Political Impact
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|---|
| National-level influence | Tinubu’s presence brought together state-level APC factions under a unified banner. |
| Strategic unity | The event showcased the President’s ability to reconcile internal party divisions, potentially solidifying support ahead of the 2027 elections. |
| Symbolic representation | The high turnout and unified posture send a clear political message: APC in Kano is coalescing under Tinubu's leadership. |
What to Watch
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APC’s 2027 momentum: Can this moment of convergence translate into a more robust campaign and voter base in Kano?
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Defection trends: Will newly-urgent cohesion discourage would-be defectors or intensify jockeying for influence?
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Legacy of Dantata: The passing of a respected elder like Aminu Dantata may now take on deeper political symbolism in the region.
Bottom line: What began as a solemn gesture of condolence has yielded a politically potent moment—APC juggernauts in Kano, rallied and visible, unified under the national leadership of President Tinubu. The visit may well mark a turning point in the party's fortunes within the North West.
