Speculation surrounding the possible return of former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate under the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has stirred up sharp divisions within the party’s Kano chapter.
At a press briefing on Friday, Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas confirmed that the expelled NNPP chieftain is making moves to rejoin the APC, calling the development “a welcome one.”
“We’ve received credible information that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is planning to come back to the APC. We are pleased with this development,” Abbas stated.
However, the chairman stressed that Kwankwaso’s return would not be unconditional. He insisted that any former critic of APC leadership must publicly apologize, particularly for past attacks on President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“Those who once insulted our leaders must first seek forgiveness. You cannot vilify our leadership and expect to be embraced without atonement,” Abbas asserted.
While extending an open invitation to all willing joiners, Abbas instructed party officials at the ward and local levels to commence registration of new members. He assured that the party would maintain a fair playing field for all aspirants.
Yet, in a stern caution, Abbas warned against opportunistic political crossovers, particularly by individuals facing corruption investigations.
“We’re aware that some want to use the APC as a hiding place from the EFCC or ICPC. Let it be known: our party will not shelter criminals. The law will take its course,” he declared.
Rising Opposition Within APC and NNPP’s Loyalty Signal Growing Tensions
Despite the chairman’s openness, dissent is growing. APC spokesperson Ahmed Aruwa rejected any possibility of reconciliation with Kwankwaso.
“He is not welcome,” Aruwa said. “After the havoc he wreaked, especially the controversial demolitions under the NNPP government, we will not stand by and let him return.”
He further argued that Kwankwaso’s comeback would cause more harm than good, warning it could destabilize the party.
“Tinubu won without him. He will win again without him. Even co-wives don’t live under the same roof to avoid conflict, Kwankwaso should stay in NNPP,” Aruwa added, making a direct reference to the ongoing rivalry between Kwankwaso and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
Meanwhile, the NNPP appears poised to follow its leader’s cue. Kano State NNPP Chairman, Dr. Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty of the party’s base to Kwankwaso.
“We are blind followers of Kwankwaso. Wherever he goes, we will follow,” Dungurawa said.
He, however, dismissed the defection rumors as speculative. “Until Kwankwaso speaks for himself, it’s all hearsay,” he said.
As the political chessboard shifts, all eyes remain on Kwankwaso, whose next move could redefine alliances ahead of 2027.
