Kwankwaso Sets New Conditions Before Considering Defection From NNPP to APC

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Former Kano State Governor and NNPP national leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has signaled that any consideration of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) would hinge on concrete political guarantees — particularly concerning Kano State and the protection of his political base.

Addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, Kwankwaso received delegations from Rano and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas, alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The gathering was marked by renewed pledges of allegiance to him and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

During his remarks, Kwankwaso made it clear that he has not ruled out the possibility of a political realignment. However, he emphasized that such a decision cannot be taken lightly or without firm assurances. According to him, the future stability of Kano’s government and the security of his loyalists must be guaranteed before any move is contemplated.

He raised concerns about the fate of lawmakers and grassroots supporters aligned with his movement, asking whether their positions and political relevance would be safeguarded. Kwankwaso stressed that clarity is essential, noting that no definitive commitments have been presented thus far.

Reflecting on previous alliances, he recalled moments when his faction played a decisive role in building political coalitions, only to later experience marginalization. That history, he suggested, informs his cautious stance today.

In his words, assurances must extend beyond verbal promises. He insisted that the continuity of the Kwankwasiyya structure and the preservation of its influence in Kano remain non-negotiable considerations.

Among those present at the meeting were Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Kano State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Mata, and NNPP Kano State Chairman Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, alongside other senior officials. They collectively reaffirmed their loyalty to Kwankwaso and the movement.

Political Analysis and Implications

Kwankwaso’s statement underscores the strategic weight of Kano in Nigeria’s political calculations. As a key northern state with significant electoral influence, any shift in allegiance from its leading figures could reshape party dynamics nationally.

His cautious approach reflects lessons drawn from past coalition experiences, where power-sharing arrangements reportedly fell short of expectations. By demanding explicit guarantees, Kwankwaso appears intent on protecting both his political capital and the institutional strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

For the APC, securing such an alliance would likely require delicate negotiations balancing national ambitions with state-level realities. Conversely, for the NNPP, maintaining Kwankwaso’s leadership remains central to its northern relevance.

Ultimately, whether a defection materializes will depend not only on negotiations but also on broader strategic calculations about influence, loyalty, and long-term political survival in Kano State.