The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal discord over the rumored return of former Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the party.
At a press conference held Friday at the APC state headquarters in Kano, Chairman Abdullahi Abbas confirmed reports that Kwankwaso—recently expelled from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)—is making efforts to rejoin the APC. Abbas welcomed the move, calling it a positive development.
“We have received credible reports that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, expelled from the NNPP, is preparing to return to the APC. This is a welcome development—we are pleased,” Abbas stated.
However, he added a caveat: anyone who had previously insulted party leaders, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, must first offer public apologies.
“Those who attacked or insulted our leaders must go back and apologize. You can’t denigrate the leadership and later expect a smooth return,” he warned.
Abbas reiterated that the APC is open to new members and has directed ward and local government officials to begin registering interested individuals. He emphasized that all aspirants would be given a level playing field.
“Anyone who wishes to contest for any position is welcome. If the people vote for them, so be it,” he added.
However, he warned that the APC would not serve as a refuge for individuals with pending legal or corruption cases.
“We are aware that some are seeking to join the APC for selfish reasons—some are politically irrelevant or under EFCC or ICPC investigation. Let it be known: the APC is not a sanctuary for criminals. The law will take its course,” Abbas stated.
Despite Abbas’ openness, not everyone in the Kano APC agrees with Kwankwaso’s potential return.
Speaking to Sources, APC spokesperson Ahmed Aruwa flatly rejected the idea, citing past grievances.
“We do not welcome him. He wronged the people, and now wants to return? We will not allow it,” Aruwa said.
He pointed to the widely criticized demolitions under the NNPP-led state government as a major grievance.
“They demolished shops and destroyed livelihoods out of political vendetta. Now he wants to return? We’re not interested,” he said.
Aruwa dismissed claims that Kwankwaso’s return could strengthen the APC in the face of a united opposition.
“We won without him before, and Tinubu will win again without him. His return would only breed confusion and crisis,” he insisted.
“Even co-wives aren’t kept in the same house to avoid conflict. Kwankwaso should stay in the NNPP. Ganduje is with us in the APC. Even if Abuja accepts him, we in Kano will not,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, NNPP Kano Chairman Dr. Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa told DAILY POST that their loyalty lies solely with Kwankwaso.
“We are blind followers of Kwankwaso. Wherever he goes, we follow. We recognize no one else,” Dungurawa said.
He dismissed defection talks as speculation, saying, “I’ve only seen the rumors online. If anything is true, Kwankwaso himself will speak at the right time.”
Earlier in the week, Kwankwaso’s allies—NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson and Board of Trustees Secretary Buba Galadima—denied reports that he plans to defect to the APC.
The NNPP has been plagued by an internal leadership crisis, with factions loyal to Kwankwaso and party founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam both claiming control.
As of now, Kwankwaso, known for his criticism of President Tinubu and his rivalry with APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, has not publicly addressed the speculation surrounding his political future.
