How Kwankwaso’s ‘unrealistic’ demands stalled APC alliance talks

Fresh details have emerged on why talks between the presidency, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, over a possible political alliance collapsed.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said discussions, which lasted several months and included multiple meetings in Abuja, broke down after Kwankwaso allegedly demanded sweeping concessions, including control of 20 per cent of the APC’s national structure and a vice-presidential slot.

The presidency had reportedly seen the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader as a strategic link to Kano and the North-west, given the influence of his Kwankwasiyya movement during the 2023 elections.

However, senior APC figures described his demands as excessive and unrealistic.

“Even the President has not asked for any percentage control of the party. Requesting 20 per cent of the APC structure nationwide was a deal breaker. The vice-presidential position was never vacant,” a party source said.

Kwankwaso was also said to have sought guarantees stretching into the 2031 political cycle, a move negotiators interpreted as overreaching.

According to insiders, the talks faltered as the presidency began to question his claim to total control of Kano’s political landscape, especially amid reported tensions between him and Governor Abba Yusuf.

With signs of division within the NNPP, the APC reportedly shifted strategy, focusing instead on strengthening ties directly with Yusuf rather than continuing negotiations with Kwankwaso.

“That was the turning point. It made more sense to deal with the governor than to concede so much to one individual,” another source said.

The shift is believed to have weakened Kwankwaso’s bargaining power, leaving him increasingly isolated politically.

Meanwhile, a faction of the NNPP led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam accused Kwankwaso of a domineering leadership style that allegedly pushed Governor Yusuf out of the party.

In a statement, the party’s North-west Vice Chairman, Sani Danmasani, claimed Kwankwaso’s “suffocating” control and internal disputes forced Yusuf to seek “greener pastures,” describing his exit as an escape rather than betrayal.

The development highlights growing cracks within the NNPP and ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Separately, the Kano State Government said it is close to resolving the prolonged emirship dispute in the state. The Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, said authorities were pursuing a political solution that could lead to the emergence of one recognised Emir, signalling an end to nearly two years of crisis.