2027: Fresh War in APC Over Kwankwaso’s Defection; Ganduje May Dump Party

As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve in anticipation of the 2027 general election, emerging reports have sparked considerable speculation surrounding Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Sources indicate that Kwankwaso may be contemplating a significant political shift towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, within the corridors of power in Abuja, there are indications that Kwankwaso’s potential transition to the APC could face significant hurdles.

Prominent party stalwarts, notably the former Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, have reportedly voiced reservations about the implications of Kwankwaso’s affiliation with the party. Their opposition underscores the complex internal dynamics that could hinder Kwankwaso’s bid for acceptance within the APC.

Ganduje, who himself was unseated as the APC National Chairman, stands as a bitter political rival of Kwankwaso. Their contentious relationship is further complicated by the fact that Kwankwaso played a pivotal role in the political landscape of Kano State, successfully ousting Ganduje and implementing a government that has garnered considerable grassroots support.

Given the critical role Kano plays in the broader quest for northern votes, especially for President Bola Tinubu, the stakes are exceptionally high.

Should Kwankwaso, alongside the current governor of Kano State, proceed with their defection to the APC, it could spell disaster for Ganduje’s political ambitions, effectively dismantling his influence within the party.

The leadership structure within the Kano State APC would likely shift significantly in Kwankwaso’s favor, raising serious questions about Ganduje’s prospects in Nigerian politics.

Ultimately, the decision regarding Kwankwaso’s acceptance into the APC rests largely with President Tinubu. The president will face the challenging task of evaluating which political gladiator—Kwankwaso or Ganduje—might better serve his strategic goals for re-election, considering their respective power bases in northern Nigeria.

Reports from DailyTrust have highlighted that Kwankwaso is actively in discussions with the current National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, regarding his intentions to join the ruling party.

Sources within the Kano chapter of the APC indicate that Kwankwaso has formally communicated his desire to affiliate with the party by writing to the national secretariat in Abuja, signaling a serious intent to transition.

Despite these developments, a source associated with the APC secretariat in Abuja has indicated that the talks between Kwankwaso and the national chairman are still ongoing, with plans for his defection reportedly reaching an advanced stage.

In contrast, the Kano State chapter of the APC has publicly dismissed remarks made by Kwankwaso, asserting that his openness to returning to the party is contingent upon unspecified conditions, thus deepening the intrigue surrounding this evolving political narrative.

The party’s Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Aruwa, told Arewa Punch that Kwankwaso’s claim was misleading, insisting that the APC neither sought nor welcomed his comeback.

Recent reports from The Papers indicate that Kwankwas has laid out specific demands he expects to be fulfilled before deciding to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

These discussions have taken place over several meetings with President Tinubu at Aso Villa. Kwankwas has emphasized that there are particular prerequisites the ruling party must satisfy for his defection to proceed.

In the camp of Ganduje who was recently sacked as APC National Chairman, things are not smooth over the news of Kwankwaso and this may cause massive defection from Ganduje’s camp.

In light of the latest developments, it appears that both the party and the president have successfully met these outlined conditions.