Speculation over the potential return of former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked tension within the Kano chapter of the party.
Addressing a press conference at the APC headquarters in Kano on Friday, State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas confirmed that the expelled NNPP leader is making overtures to rejoin the ruling party. Abbas expressed optimism over the development, calling it a welcome move.
“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,” he said.
However, Abbas emphasized that re-entry into the APC would not come without conditions. He demanded that those who previously criticized the leadership of the party must first issue formal apologies.
“Anyone who knows they have insulted our leaders, such as President Tinubu and his vice, must go back and apologize to them. It’s not acceptable to accuse and attack them in the past, and now claim you want to come back under their leadership,” he stated.
The chairman reiterated that the APC remains open to new members, instructing ward and local government executives to begin registering interested individuals. He also assured that the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
“Anyone who wishes to contest for any position is free to do so—once the people vote for them, so be it,” Abbas noted.
But he issued a warning to individuals seeking refuge in the APC for ulterior motives.
“We are also aware that some individuals are seeking to join our party for personal reasons—either because they have failed politically at the national or state level, or because they are under investigation by the EFCC or ICPC. They should know that our party is not a safe haven for thieves and criminals. We will not shield anyone. The law will take its course,” he added.
Despite the chairman’s conciliatory tone, cracks have begun to emerge within the party. APC spokesman Ahmed Aruwa voiced strong opposition to Kwankwaso’s possible return.
“We do not welcome him. After committing numerous wrongs against the people, he now seeks to return? We will not accept that,” Aruwa said in a recent interview.
He cited the controversial demolitions carried out under the NNPP-led government in Kano as a major source of resentment towards the NNPP leader.
“They demolished shops and destroyed people’s livelihoods out of spite. Now he wants to return to us? We’re not interested,” he said.
Aruwa dismissed claims that Kwankwaso’s return would strengthen the APC’s base ahead of future elections.
“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 warned.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, within the NNPP, party loyalists appear ready to follow Kwankwaso wherever he goes.
Kano NNPP Chairman Dr. Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa said members remain committed to the former governor.
“We are blind followers. We don’t recognize anyone but Kwankwaso. Wherever he goes, we’ll follow,” Dungurawa said.
He downplayed the defection rumours as unconfirmed speculation. “I only heard the talks on social media. If there’s any truth to it, Kwankwaso himself will speak when the time is right.”
