A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, AbdulMajeed Dan Bilki Kwamanda, has said that despite remaining in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso still holds enough political influence to challenge the APC’s grip on Kano politics.
Kwamanda made this assertion during an interview with DCL Hausa while reacting to the recent defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the NNPP to the APC—a move he described as a major betrayal of Kwankwaso.
According to Kwamanda, if Kwankwaso puts forward a strong governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, the NNPP could attract massive support, including defections from within the APC itself.
“If Kwankwaso presents a credible candidate, I can confidently say that even members of the APC will abandon the party,” he said.
He explained that Kano’s political environment places greater importance on strategy and the quality of candidates rather than party labels.
Kwamanda identified Ahmad Garban Bichi as a formidable option should Kwankwaso decide to contest the 2027 governorship election through a proxy.
“Ahmad Garban Bichi comes from a well-respected family. If Kwankwaso fields him, I can assure you that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will win the election,” he stated.
For the deputy governorship position, Kwamanda suggested Ibrahim Khalil, a former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing his popularity and broad appeal.
“If a deputy is needed, Ibrahim Khalil would be a good choice. He is educated, widely known, well-connected, and enjoys support among both men and women,” he added.
Speaking on the emotional impact of Governor Yusuf’s defection, Kwamanda revealed that the move deeply angered the NNPP leader.
“In all my life, I have never seen Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso this angry,” he said.
He accused Governor Yusuf of defecting for personal reasons rather than out of genuine concern for Kano State or its people.
“Abba Yusuf joined the APC because of personal interest, not because of love for Kano or its citizens,” Kwamanda alleged.
Reflecting on the wider political situation in the country, the APC chieftain lamented what he described as the growing dominance of self-interest over public service in Nigerian politics.
“Politics today is no longer about serving the people. It has become a game of personal ambition and betrayal,” he concluded.
