Kwankwaso Sets Clear Conditions for Defection to APC

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has said he will only consider joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) if clear and binding assurances are given on the future of the Kano State government and the protection of his political supporters.

Kwankwaso made this known on Wednesday night during a meeting with party leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa local government areas at his residence in Kano. Members of the Kwankwasiyya movement were also in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Kwankwaso said speculation about his possible defection to the APC should not be mistaken for a settled decision, stressing that critical conditions must first be met.

“I did not say I will not join the APC,” he said. “What I said is that before we take such a step, we must be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government.”

He raised concerns about the political fate of NNPP lawmakers and loyalists if a defection were to occur.

“What will be the fate of our elected representatives and other supporters?” Kwankwaso asked. “These are issues that must be clearly addressed before any agreement can be reached.”

The former Kano governor recalled previous political alliances in which his political bloc played a major role in winning elections but was later sidelined.

“In the past, we joined a party, worked hard, and contributed significantly to forming the government,” he said. “After that, we were abandoned. That experience is still fresh in our minds.”

He explained that the lack of trust created by those past events was the reason his group eventually left the party involved.

“That was why we exited. Now the question is simple: has anything changed? Has the attitude toward us changed?” he asked. “Everyone knows the role we played at that time.”

Kwankwaso said that, as of now, no firm guarantees have been given regarding the protection of the NNPP’s political structure in Kano.

“Up till this moment, nobody has given me a clear assurance that we will be allowed to retain our government and continue with our political structure,” he said. “I need to know where I stand before making any decision.”

He also dismissed reports claiming that he had approved or encouraged the alleged defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to the APC.

Reacting to the reports, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, described them as false and misleading.

“Senator Kwankwaso has not endorsed any defection,” Hassan said. “He remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party.”

The comments come amid ongoing political realignments and speculation over possible defections ahead of future elections, particularly in Kano, a key political stronghold in the North.