KANO — Speculations that former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) appear to be causing ripples in the Kano APC, though many party leaders remain unimpressed by the potential move.
The state APC chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, recently confirmed that the party had received hints of Kwankwaso’s possible return and directed ward chapters to prepare for a fresh wave of defectors. “We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register,” Abbas said, adding that there would be no preferential treatment for new or old members.
Despite the welcoming tone, insiders say many APC chieftains in Kano are wary of the defection’s impact, especially with the 2027 governorship race in view. A senior party member, speaking anonymously, noted that the APC had been diligently mobilising support under the leadership of Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, to reclaim the state from the ruling NNPP.
Barau, widely tipped as a strong contender for the 2027 gubernatorial ticket, is credited with spearheading the influx of high-profile NNPP defectors into the APC. These include Senator Kawu Sumaila, former Secretary to the State Government Dr. Baffa Bichi, and former lawmakers like Badamasi Ayuba and Sha’aban Sharada.
However, Barau’s camp reportedly views Kwankwaso’s return as a possible threat to existing political arrangements. “His entry may cause dislocations, but Barau remains firmly rooted and prepared,” a source said.
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, also dismissed Kwankwaso’s political relevance, describing him as a “spent force” seeking refuge. “Unless our leader, Ganduje, decides otherwise, we do not need him,” Ata told reporters after a meeting at the APC secretariat in Abuja.
This sentiment is echoed by youth groups like the APC Youth and Students Council (KASASCO), which insisted Kwankwaso’s return would add no value to the party. “He is no longer attractive in Kano. His movement is dying,” said KASASCO DG, Yahaya Kabo.
Nonetheless, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje offered a reconciliatory note, stating that the party would not reject Kwankwaso if he truly sought to return. “A friend in need is a friend indeed. We don’t want to leave him completely abandoned,” Ganduje said.
Meanwhile, the NNPP has downplayed the defection rumours. State chairman Dr. Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa said there was no official word from Kwankwaso and urged the public to treat the reports as speculation.
As political maneuvering intensifies in Kano, observers say the coming weeks will reveal whether Kwankwaso’s return is mere hearsay or a strategic move that could reshape the 2027 political landscape.
