Tensions Rise in Kano APC Over Possible Return of Kwankwaso

The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is witnessing internal friction over reports that former Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is considering a return to the party.

During a press conference held at the APC state headquarters in Kano on Friday, State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas confirmed that Kwankwaso, recently expelled from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), is making moves to rejoin the APC—a move he described as welcome.

“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,” Abbas said.

However, Abbas stated that any return must come with accountability. He stressed that individuals who had previously attacked party leaders—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima—must offer a public apology before being readmitted.

“Anyone who knows they have insulted our leaders, such as President Tinubu and his vice, must go back and apologize. It’s not acceptable to accuse and attack them in the past, and now claim you want to come back under their leadership,” he warned.

While opening the party’s doors to new members and encouraging registration at the ward level, Abbas cautioned that the APC would not serve as a shelter for individuals with questionable integrity.

“We are aware that some individuals want to join for personal reasons—either due to political failure or ongoing investigations by the EFCC or ICPC. Let it be known: APC is not a safe haven for thieves and criminals. The law will take its course,” he added.

Despite the chairman’s welcoming tone, deep divisions remain within the party. Speaking to DAILY POST, APC spokesman Ahmed Aruwa rejected any possibility of Kwankwaso returning to the party.

“We do not welcome him. After committing numerous wrongs against the people, he now seeks to return? We will not accept that,” Aruwa said.

He referenced the controversial demolitions carried out by the NNPP-led government in Kano, claiming they were politically motivated and caused widespread hardship.

“They demolished shops and destroyed people’s livelihoods out of spite. Now he wants to return to us? We’re not interested,” he stated.

Aruwa further dismissed claims that Kwankwaso’s return would bolster the APC ahead of future elections, saying, “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 added, “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.”

On the other side, NNPP Kano Chairman Dr. Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa said party members remain loyal to Kwankwaso, describing them as “blind followers.”

“We don’t recognize anyone but Kwankwaso. Wherever he goes, we’ll follow,” Dungurawa told DAILY POST.

He dismissed defection rumors as speculation, saying, “I only heard the talks on social media. If there’s any truth to it, Kwankwaso himself will speak when the time is right.”

Earlier in the week, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson and Board of Trustees Secretary Buba Galadima—both allies of Kwankwaso—denied reports of a planned defection to the APC.

The NNPP has been engulfed in a protracted leadership crisis between Kwankwaso and party founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, with both factions laying claim to the party structure.

Senator Kwankwaso, a long-standing critic of President Tinubu and political rival of APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, is yet to issue an official statement on his political future amid mounting speculations.