2027: Again, Kwankwaso Sets Fresh Conditions to Return to APC

Speculation continues regarding a potential shift by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a key political figure in Yusuf’s career, has reiterated the conditions under which he might consider returning to the ruling party.

During a recent meeting at his residence on Miller Road in Kano, Kwankwaso addressed leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa local government areas, along with members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, who expressed their ongoing loyalty to the NNPP.

A statement released by his media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, on his verified Facebook page outlined Kwankwaso’s stance.

He emphasized that any potential affiliation with the APC would require clear terms and guarantees.

“I will not go to the APC blindly. I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of the journey and the fate of our plans for the common people, including the position of our supporters and the Kano State Government. That is my stand,” he was quoted as saying.

Kwankwaso’s latest remarks come against the backdrop of growing political tension in Kano following reports that Governor Yusuf is weighing a move to the APC. The former governor has consistently distanced himself from the reported defection, insisting that he neither endorsed nor supported such a move.

Before reiterating his position on Wednesday, Kwankwaso had criticised those he accused of instigating the governor’s planned defection, arguing that they should also have advised Yusuf to relinquish the mandate he secured on the platform of the NNPP before joining another party.

He described it as deeply painful for an electoral mandate won after a hard-fought contest to be transferred to a rival political camp, particularly one associated with former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

“I am not party to it, and I am not in support of the purported move to defect from the party. Everyone must know this,” Kwankwaso said.

Although he ruled out an unconditional return to the APC, Kwankwaso has previously indicated openness to political realignment, provided certain conditions are met. On several occasions, he has said any move to another party must come with clear political benefits, including consideration for either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

In a shift of strategy earlier this week, Kwankwaso directed his supporters currently serving in Governor Yusuf’s administration to align with the governor if they are compelled to choose sides. He said the instruction was meant to shield them from political pressure, stressing that “real politics” has yet to begin.

Doubling down on that position during Wednesday’s meeting, Kwankwaso reiterated his stance on joining the APC, insisting that his role and the future of his political movement must be clearly defined.

According to Daily Trust, on September 19, 2025, Kwankwaso stated that his party was open to joining the APC, but only based on “strong promises.” He remarked while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to ex-Governor Ganduje, alongside APC members drawn from Kano’s 44 local government areas.

At the time, Kwankwaso recalled his role in the formation of the APC, noting that he was among the first set of governors who supported the merger that produced the party.