Kwankwaso Signals Conditional Return to APC, Stresses NNPP Must Benefit

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has signaled his willingness to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but emphasized that such a move would only happen under “strong conditions.”

The former Kano State governor made the declaration on Thursday while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former aide to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who visited him with APC representatives from all 44 local government areas of Kano State.

Kwankwaso insisted that any discussion about rejoining APC or merging must clearly outline the benefits for the NNPP.

“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain,” he said.

The NNPP leader stressed that his party would not allow itself to be “used and dumped,” recalling his role in establishing APC in 2013 and the political persecution he and his allies endured at the time.

“We have gubernatorial candidates in all states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join? We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us,” he added.


Kwankwaso also reflected on past frustrations with both APC and PDP, accusing the parties of breaching agreements.

“Eight years of APC under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari gave us nothing, not even appreciation. In PDP, we asked for just a zonal party chairman, but they refused. We left peacefully, and today we are strong and have integrity,” he noted.

The statement contrasts with his earlier remarks at the NNPP National Executive Council meeting, where he pledged to remain with the party despite swirling rumors of defection.

Reacting to Kwankwaso’s comments, Kano APC State Secretary Hon. Zakari Ibrahim Sarina said the party would welcome him back, provided he abides by APC principles.

“Kwankwaso can’t come to APC to control the party that has national spread. Remember, APC is not NNPP, which he established and controls. We are ready to welcome him because his return would be an advantage to the ruling party. It will also promote peace and development in Kano,” Sarina added.