There have been numerous reports about former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, potentially defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His current political party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), can no longer accommodate him for various reasons. Recently, 3 federal lawmakers from the NNPP in Kano State left the party to join the ruling APC, citing unresolved internal conflicts. These lawmakers are Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, who represents the Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya constituency. Also, Abdullahi Sani Rogo of the Karaye/Rogo federal constituency.
There are indications that more NNPP members are likely to defect in the coming weeks. A party chieftain in Lagos informed City People that more departures are expected soon, pending a signal from higher authorities. “As you know, Kwankwaso is a significant figure in any political party in the country. He has engaged in several meetings to discuss his plans for defecting and what the new party can offer him. We have been strategizing for nearly two months, and while some of our conditions have been met, we are still awaiting others,” the source stated.
Additionally, it is believed that Kwankwaso’s potential defection involves a deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu. This development is creating tension within the camp of the APC’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as well as among those in the Senate who are eyeing the APC governorship ticket in Kano for the 2027 elections.
Sources within the NNPP suggest that Kwankwaso will have further meetings with President Tinubu to finalize his defection from the NNPP to the APC in due time.
While the NNPP national secretariat and the Kano chapter continue to dismiss Kwankwaso’s planned defection as unlikely, both the APC National Chairman and the Kano chapter have confirmed the move in separate remarks over the past week.
Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas issued a press statement cautioning against granting preferential treatment to new entrants in the party. He expressed strong reservations about Kwankwaso and others looking to join the APC, stating that the party “would not serve as a refuge for individuals facing legal or ethical challenges.”
He also noted, “We are aware that some individuals are seeking to join our party for personal reasons—whether because they have failed politically at the national or state levels, or because they are under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). They should understand that our party is not a safe haven for certain categories of people. We will not shield anyone. The law will take its course.”
It was reported that while President Tinubu is working to secure the support of Kwankwaso and his followers ahead of the 2027 general election, some APC chieftains are worried that their interests could be compromised in negotiations with Kwankwaso and his NNPP team.
Sources indicated that the NNPP lawmakers who defected to the APC had been promised automatic nominations to secure their return to the National Assembly.
In response to rumors of Kwankwaso’s return to the APC, the former Kano State Governor and the National Chairman of the APC jokingly said that since he is now in charge of party affairs, Kwankwaso would be welcome to rejoin. He mentioned, “Nobody can deny that Kwankwaso is a skilled politician; after all, he was a two-term Kano Governor—albeit during disrupted tenures—served as Minister of Defence, even though he did not seem to grasp the concept of defense, and was a Senator, although he did not make any significant contributions during his time there. However, if he is willing to switch to the APC, our door is open, especially now that someone from his state is the party Chairman, which will make it easier for him to lobby.”
AS OF NOW, KWANKWASO HAS NOT YET LEFT THE NNPP FOR THE APC.
According to a close associate of Kwankwaso, part of the deal for him to switch parties includes the possibility of a ministerial appointment from the President. This is reportedly one of the reasons he is considering leaving the NNPP for the APC. Additionally, there is an expectation that some elected members currently in government positions will be granted party tickets in the upcoming election. His disagreements with the National Chairman, Alhaji Ganduje, should not pose a problem for him or other members transitioning to the APC. These are some of the conditions Kwankwaso is discussing with President Tinubu before making his decision to leave the NNPP.
WHY PRESIDENT TINUBU WANTS KWANKWASO
There are 5,921,370 registered voters in Kano, and this number can be decisive in any election. In the last presidential election, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the New Nigeria People’s Party, secured 58.4% of the votes and won the state by nearly 440,000 votes—a 26.9% margin of victory over the runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, from the Peoples Democratic Party. The other two major contenders, Bola Tinubu (from the All Progressives Congress) and Peter Obi (from the Labour Party), trailed with 7.3% and 1.8%, respectively.
Political analysts believe it would be a significant loss for President Tinubu’s opposition in the upcoming elections if Kwankwaso ultimately joins their ranks.
Furthermore, Kwankwaso served as governor of Kano State from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015. His policies, which focused on infrastructural development, urban renewal, and improving access to education and healthcare, resonated with the people of Kano. The residents of the state hold him in high regard. His political base in the northwest, where Kano represents a substantial portion of the electorate, has also contributed to his popularity. In addition to his work in Kano, he has actively campaigned in various parts of northern and central Nigeria, further solidifying his position in the region. These attributes are likely what President Tinubu finds appealing in him.
However, a spokesman for Kwankwaso has stated that the leader of the NNPP is not leaving the party. He said, “That is still under speculation. When it happens, the party will be informed. Kwankwaso is currently busy consulting with the party, building its base and structures. He is engaging with people across the board. If he decides to join the APC or any other party, it will be announced formally.”
When asked if the APC is a potential platform for Kwankwaso, the NNPP spokesman responded, “We will look at all the options.”
Isaac Abimbade
08155107955
