The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with internal tensions following reports that former Kano State Governor and 2023 New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is seeking a return to the APC.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s Kano headquarters on Friday, APC State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas confirmed speculations of Kwankwaso’s possible comeback after his recent expulsion from the NNPP. Abbas welcomed the development, describing it as a “positive step” for the party.
“We have received reports that the leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was expelled from his party, is preparing to return to the APC. This is a welcome development—we are happy and pleased about it,” Abbas stated.
However, the chairman issued a stern warning that individuals who had previously attacked or insulted the leadership of the APC, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, would need to publicly apologize before being considered for readmission.
“It’s not acceptable to accuse and attack our leaders in the past and now want to come back under their leadership without remorse,” Abbas warned.
He reiterated the APC’s openness to new members and directed ward and local government party executives to begin registering interested individuals.
Abbas emphasized that the party would provide a fair platform for all aspirants, saying, “Anyone who wishes to contest for any position is free to do so—once the people vote for them, so be it.”
Still, he cautioned that the APC would not serve as a sanctuary for embattled politicians, especially those facing corruption probes.
“Our party is not a safe haven for thieves and criminals. We will not shield anyone. The law will take its course,” Abbas declared, referencing individuals under investigation by the EFCC and ICPC.
Despite the conciliatory stance of the APC national and state chairmen, some senior members of the party in Kano State have expressed strong opposition to the possible return of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Our correspondent reports that the APC spokesperson in Kano, Ahmed Aruwa, firmly rejected any reconciliation with the former governor.
READ ALSO: Kwankwaso Criticizes APC, PDP; Praises NNPP’s Growth
“We do not welcome him. After committing numerous wrongs against the people, he now seeks to return? We will not accept that,” Aruwa stated.
He cited the controversial demolitions carried out by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led government in Kano as a major reason for the resistance, accusing Kwankwaso of being complicit in the decision.
“They demolished shops and destroyed people’s livelihoods out of spite. Now he wants to return to us? We’re not interested,” he added.
Aruwa also dismissed suggestions that Kwankwaso’s return would boost the party’s strength ahead of future elections, especially amid signs of opposition alignment.
“We won elections before without him, and Tinubu will win again without him. His return would only cause confusion and unrest in the party,” he said.
Aruwa drew a cultural analogy to highlight the potential for internal conflict: “Even co-wives aren’t kept in the same house to avoid conflict. Kwankwaso should remain in the NNPP. Ganduje is in APC. Even if Abuja accepts him, we in Kano will not.”
READ ALSO: Kwankwaso, Not Tinubu Will Suffer Re-election In Kano, APC Replies NNPP
Meanwhile, the NNPP has firmly denied any plans of defection by Kwankwaso or other prominent members.
Speaking to journalists, the NNPP’s Kano State Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, dismissed the rumors as baseless, insisting that Kwankwaso remains committed to the party.
“I only heard the talks on social media. If there’s any truth to it, Kwankwaso himself will speak when the time is right.”
“Definitely, we (NNPP) don’t have that interest or intention. We see them (the APC) as enemies of democracy. Look at where they have led this country. The people are ready to teach them a lesson at the ballot,” Dungurawa said.
He cited declining APC electoral figures over the years as evidence of public dissatisfaction, noting that the party’s vote count fell from nearly 20 million in 2015 to just 8 million in 2023.
“We are blind followers. We don’t recognize anyone but Kwankwaso. Wherever he goes, we’ll follow,” Dungurawa said.
Earlier this week, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson and party Board of Trustees Secretary Buba Galadima, both allies of Kwankwaso, denied reports that he is planning to defect to the APC.
As of the time of filing this report, Kwankwaso—known for his past criticism of President Tinubu and a political rival of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje—has yet to publicly respond to the swirling rumors about his political future.