The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly welcomed reports that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano and 2023 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, is preparing to defect back to the APC following his expulsion from the NNPP. However, this development has triggered internal revolt within the Kano APC and drawn sharp responses from the NNPP, which denies any such defection plans by Kwankwaso.
APC Welcomes Kwankwaso but Sets Strict Conditions
At a press conference on April 18, 2025, Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas confirmed the party’s readiness to receive Kwankwaso and other defectors, instructing ward chapters to open registers for new members regardless of their political stature.
Abbas described Kwankwaso’s possible return as a “welcome development” but stressed that anyone who had previously insulted APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, must first issue a public apology before being considered for re-admittance.
Abbas warned that joining the APC would not be a “panacea” for escaping past corrupt practices or investigations by anti-graft agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, signaling that Kwankwaso would receive no special treatment. He also cautioned against attempts to bring factional or “cult-like” groups such as Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya movement into the APC fold.
Internal Division and Opposition Within Kano APC
Despite the official welcome, reports indicate a split within the Kano APC over Kwankwaso’s potential return. Some party members oppose his re-entry, citing his controversial political history and strained relationships with other political groups.
The internal revolt highlights tensions between factions eager to capitalize on Kwankwaso’s influence and those wary of his past conduct and the implications for party unity.
NNPP Denies Defection Plans, Accuses APC of Panic
The NNPP, through its Kano State chairman Hashimu Dungurawa and National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, has dismissed the defection rumors as baseless and politically motivated.
They accused the APC of spreading panic-driven misinformation to undermine the NNPP, affirming that Kwankwaso remains committed to rebuilding and strengthening the NNPP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dungurawa criticized the APC’s governance record and insisted that Kwankwaso and the NNPP have no intention of joining the ruling party, which he described as an “enemy of democracy” whose popularity has been declining.
RECAP
- Kano APC welcomes Kwankwaso’s rumored defection but demands public apology to President Tinubu and VP Shettima for past insults before acceptance.
- APC warns Kwankwaso will receive no special treatment and cannot use the party to evade anti-corruption probes.
- Internal dissent exists within Kano APC over Kwankwaso’s return, reflecting factional tensions.
- NNPP strongly denies any defection plans by Kwankwaso, accusing APC of spreading falsehoods out of political fear.
The situation remains fluid as Kwankwaso has yet to confirm any defection, while both parties prepare for the political realignments ahead of future elections.
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