The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed readiness to accept Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and other defectors, but under certain conditions.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, the state party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, confirmed that the APC had received speculations about Kwankwaso’s potential defection from the NNPP and welcomed the development. He noted that the APC, under its renewed hope agenda, is actively seeking to receive defectors from all political parties.
“We have already directed our ward chapters to open registers for new decampees, irrespective of their political and social stature, in line with our party’s constitution,” Abbas stated.
He emphasized that while the party is open to new members, it maintains a strict stance on ensuring that individuals joining the APC adhere to the party’s constitution. He further assured elected officials at various levels that their tenure and positions within the party would remain intact, irrespective of whether they are new or old members.
Abbas also addressed the issue of some politicians seeking refuge in the APC due to their tarnished reputations or to avoid accountability for alleged corrupt practices. He cautioned that joining the APC would not shield anyone from past wrongdoings.
“We are aware that some people are desperate to join the APC because they have scuttled their political goodwill and become political lepers in the national scheme of things,” he said. “However, joining APC as a political party is not a panacea for escaping from their past sins.”
Additionally, Abbas made it clear that the APC would not tolerate any cult-like activities or groupings under the guise of political associations. He also called on those prospective decampees who had previously made derogatory remarks about President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima, to publicly apologize as a sign of remorse and respect for future political relationships.
In conclusion, while the APC is open to receiving new members, it has laid down clear conditions for those wishing to join, underscoring the importance of integrity and respect for the party’s values.
