Kwankwaso sets conditions for joining APC

Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he would only consider joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) if there are firm guarantees on the future of the Kano State government and the protection of his supporters.

Kwankwaso made this known on Wednesday at his Miller Road residence in Kano during a meeting with leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa local government areas, as well as other Kwankwasiyya groups, who reaffirmed their loyalty to him and the party.

“I did not say I will not join the APC. But before any such move, we must be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government,” he said. “What will happen to our lawmakers and our supporters? These issues must be settled before any defection.”

He recalled past political experiences where his political bloc helped to form governments but was later marginalised.

“We have been in this situation before. We joined, contributed significantly, and after forming the government, we were abandoned. That was why we left. Have they changed their attitude towards us now?” he asked.

Kwankwaso noted that, so far, no concrete assurances had been given regarding the retention of political structures or continuity in governance.

“Up till now, nobody has clearly told me that we will retain our government and sustain our political structure. I need clarity on where we stand,” he added.

Those present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo; the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Mata; the NNPP state chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa; and other senior party figures, all of whom publicly pledged their allegiance to Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Political observers say the strong show of support from key government officials points to growing internal tensions and underscores Kwankwaso’s continued influence, especially amid speculation about a possible defection by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the APC.

Analysts believe Kwankwaso’s guarded position reflects a strategic effort to secure party structures and safeguard loyalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.