Power struggle rocks Katsina APC as Gov. Radda, Tinubu appointee Masari clash intensifies

The political tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State appears to be deepening, following the questioning of Governor Dikko Radda’s Aide-de-Camp, SP Abdulganiyu Bello, and Chief Security Officer, DSP Hassan Bello, by the police in Abuja.

The two security officials were reportedly invited to the Force Headquarters in connection with an investigation into the alleged destruction of billboards bearing the images of President Bola Tinubu and Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, in Katsina.

The development comes amid growing speculation over political differences between Governor Radda and Masari, a prominent Katsina politician believed to wield considerable influence within the ruling APC at the federal level.

The billboards were reportedly located along the Modoji Junction-Katsina Government House Road, with conflicting accounts emerging over their contents and the prominence given to the governor’s image.

Police spokesperson, Anietie Iniedu, however, dismissed reports that Radda’s ADC and CSO had been arrested or detained.

“They were invited for an interview. They were not arrested or detained,” the Chief Superintendent of Police told Daily Trust.

He did not disclose the specific issues discussed during the questioning.

Sources, however, gave conflicting accounts of the whereabouts of the two officials following their invitation, while the Chief of Staff to the Katsina State Government House, Abdulkadir Nasir, was reportedly in Abuja in an effort to secure their release.

A man identified as Aminu Sanda, popularly known as Aminu Nasta, who was described as a leader of a political group in Katsina, was also reportedly arrested in connection with the billboard incident.

Tension Within Katsina APC

The latest development has heightened concerns over an emerging division within the Katsina chapter of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party is increasingly being described in terms of two political blocs — the “Katsina APC”, largely made up of party members based in the state and regarded as loyal to Governor Radda, and the “Katsina/Abuja APC”, comprising Katsina politicians holding influential positions at the federal level.

Political observers have for some time alleged differences between the two camps, although members of the governor’s camp have continued to dismiss reports of an open confrontation.

The situation attracted further attention after Governor Radda and several of his close associates were reportedly excluded from the recently released APC Presidential Campaign Council list for the 2027 election.

There have also been political interpretations surrounding the removal of former Minister of Housing, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who previously served as Secretary to the Katsina State Government under Radda.

Dangiwa was replaced as minister by Engr Mutaqa Rabe Darma, who is reportedly aligned with Masari.

Governor Radda has previously alleged that some political forces operating from Abuja were working against his administration, although he has not publicly identified the individuals involved.

Analysts Warn of 2027 Consequences

Political analyst, Dr Bashir Ibrahim Kurfi, said the developments suggested that there was an internal crisis within the Katsina APC, warning that a prolonged disagreement could affect the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

“The failure to include the Katsina State Governor and his close associates in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign committee clearly indicates that there is a strained relationship between the Governor and Abuja, as widely alleged,” Kurfi said.

He, however, warned that allowing the disagreement to persist could weaken the APC’s political structure in the state.

An APC chieftain in Katsina, Musa Nuhu Gafiya, also urged Governor Radda and influential party members in Abuja to resolve any differences between them.

He said the alleged crisis was being amplified by opposition figures and urged party stakeholders to prioritise the success of the APC at all levels.

Radda’s Aide Dismisses Reports of Rift

However, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Radda, Alhaji Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, dismissed reports of a crisis between the governor and the presidency.

Speaking to JBC Hausa, Gwajo-Gwajo described the situation as normal political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections.

He maintained that Radda remained the state coordinator of President Tinubu’s 2027 campaign and had maintained a cordial relationship with the President.

“Governor Radda has never shown any sign of having issues with the presidency. What is happening now is just politics because the campaign has begun,” he said.

He also said the governor’s camp was not aware of any detention of Katsina government officials.

Similarly, the Director General of Media to Governor Radda, Maiwada Danmalam, said he was not aware of any political disagreement between his principal and Masari.

“I am not aware of any political rift between the governor and Malam Kabir Ibrahim Masari. In fact, I am hearing this from you for the first time,” Danmalam told Daily Trust.

He acknowledged seeing reports about the alleged disagreement but said he had not been briefed on any such development.

Danmalam urged the media and members of the public to exercise caution when discussing sensitive political matters involving prominent figures.

“Sensitive issues such as this need to be handled with utmost care. We should be careful not to create unnecessary tension or give room to speculate where there are no confirmed facts,” he said.

The Katsina APC Publicity Secretary, Shamsu Sule, also declined to comment on the matter, saying he would refer the reporter to the state party chairman.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the developments have intensified political speculation in Katsina, particularly over the relationship between Governor Radda, influential federal politicians from the state and the Presidency.

While supporters of the governor insist there is no serious rift, the exclusion of key Radda loyalists from the campaign council and the questioning of two of his security aides have continued to fuel questions about the state of relations within the Katsina APC.

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