Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Kano State governor, has outlined specific conditions he wants met before he would consider joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), amid intense political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso’s stance comes as political tensions rise in Kano State, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and many party members have reportedly defected or are under pressure to align with the APC—moves that put Kwankwaso’s political influence and the future of the NNPP’s local power structure at the centre of the debate.
What Kwankwaso Said: Clear Assurances Required
Kwankwaso addressed supporters and leaders at his residence in Kano, saying he is not opposed to joining the APC in principle, but would not do so without firm guarantees about the future of the Kano State government and the welfare of his supporters.
According to him, any decision to defect must answer key questions such as:
- What assurances exist that the Kano State government will be secure?
- What will happen to his NNPP lawmakers and grassroots supporters?
- Will the Kwankwasiyya movement retain its political relevance and structure within the APC?
He stressed that past experiences—when he and his allies helped form governments only to be later sidelined—fuelled his caution and made him insist on clarity before any move.
Background: Political Realignment in Kano State
Political realignment in Kano State has intensified with reports that Governor Abba Yusuf—formerly of the NNPP—along with lawmakers and other officials are defecting to the APC, a move that has divided opinion among party members.
While Governor Yusuf’s reported shift to the APC has been interpreted by some as a strategic alignment with the ruling party ahead of 2027, Kwankwaso himself has not endorsed the defection, and his aides have clarified that he remains committed to his own political movement unless clear terms are met.
The NNPP has also emphasised that the governor does not need Kwankwaso’s backing to join any party, underscoring the legal rights of elected officials to take independent decisions.
Why Kwankwaso’s Conditions Matter
1. Influence on Kano Politics
Kwankwaso remains a major political force in northern Nigeria and especially in Kano, where his Kwankwasiyya movement has deep grassroots support. His decisions could shape the political landscape there ahead of 2027.
2. Role of Political Structures
By emphasising assurances about the future of government and party structures, Kwankwaso is signalling that his loyalty and support are not transactional—they must protect his political base and supporters’ interests.
3. Strategic Position Ahead of 2027
With the presidential and governorship elections approaching, Kwankwaso’s stance reinforces the broader context of political negotiations and coalition building in Nigeria’s multiparty environment, where big defections or alliances can shift electoral dynamics.
Reactions and Political Implications
Political analysts say Kwankwaso’s cautious stance is strategic—it aims to ensure that any alliance with the APC doesn’t undermine the political autonomy he and his movement have built over years and that the NNPP’s influence isn’t swallowed without reciprocity.
Observers also note that his demands reflect the distrust that remains from previous collaborations, where political allies sometimes failed to honour earlier commitments—a factor shaping current negotiations.
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