Kwankwaso Sets Conditions for Return to APC, Warns Against Political Betrayal

Former Kano governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that any move to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) must come with firm guarantees that his political base will not be sidelined.

Speaking at a gathering in his Kano residence, Kwankwaso said alliances in Nigerian politics have often left him and his supporters “used and dumped,” a scenario he insists must not be repeated.

“Those calling on us to join APC, we have agreed to join the APC but on clear agreement that protects and respects the interest of my party, NNPP, and my political movement, Kwankwasiyya,” he said.
“We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.”

Kwankwaso reminded his audience that he was among the founding fathers of the APC, enduring harassment and persecution from security agencies while opposing the former administration. Yet, he noted, his faction received little recognition when the party assumed power.

The NNPP leader, who has built a formidable grassroots structure under the Kwankwasiyya movement, said his group has political presence across Nigeria, with gubernatorial and legislative candidates in several states.

While insisting that he is “not in a hurry” to abandon the NNPP, Kwankwaso hinted at openness to broader alliances — not just with APC, but even with the PDP — provided any agreement is made public and rooted in mutual respect.

Political observers say his conditions could reshape negotiations ahead of the 2027 elections, where party realignments are expected to play a decisive role.