The reported move by former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) has triggered sharp divisions within the party’s ranks in Kano State.
At a press conference held at the APC state headquarters on Friday, State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas confirmed Kwankwaso’s potential return, describing it as a welcome development following his recent expulsion from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
“We have received reports that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was expelled from the NNPP, is preparing to return to the APC. We are pleased with this development,” Abbas said.
However, Abbas stressed that anyone seeking to rejoin the party—particularly those who had previously criticized its leadership—must first offer public apologies.
“Anyone who insulted our leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, must apologise. It is unacceptable to attack our leadership and later seek to return under their authority,” he warned.
He directed APC ward and local government executives to begin registering new members, but made clear the party would not serve as a sanctuary for individuals with questionable motives.
“There are people attempting to join our party for personal gain—either due to political failures or investigations by anti-graft agencies like the EFCC and ICPC. Let it be known: APC is not a refuge for thieves and criminals. The law will take its course,” he added.
Despite the chairman’s openness, the prospect of Kwankwaso’s return has drawn strong opposition from other party stakeholders.
APC spokesman in Kano, Ahmed Aruwa, rejected the idea outright in an interview with DAILY POST.
“We do not welcome him. After the damage he caused, he now seeks a way back? We say no,” Aruwa said.
He cited the controversial demolitions carried out by the NNPP-led administration in Kano as one of the key grievances.
“They demolished shops and livelihoods for political vendettas. Now he wants to return? We’re not interested. His return would only bring chaos,” he said.
Aruwa also dismissed suggestions that Kwankwaso’s influence could boost the APC’s chances against a unified opposition.
“We won elections without him. President Tinubu will win again without him. Even co-wives don’t share a house to avoid conflict. Ganduje is in APC; Kwankwaso should remain in the NNPP. Even if Abuja accepts him, we in Kano will not,” he declared.
Meanwhile, NNPP’s Kano State Chairman, Dr. Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, insisted that their members remain loyal to Kwankwaso and would follow him if he chose to defect.
“We are blind followers. We only recognize Kwankwaso. Wherever he goes, we will go,” Dungurawa said, while dismissing the defection rumours as speculation.
Similarly, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson and the party’s Board of Trustees Secretary, Buba Galadima—both close allies of Kwankwaso—have denied any plans by the former governor to return to the APC.
The NNPP remains embroiled in a leadership crisis between Kwankwaso and party founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, with both factions claiming control of the party.
As of press time, Senator Kwankwaso—an outspoken critic of President Tinubu and longtime political rival of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje—has yet to publicly address the growing speculation surrounding his political future.
