Door Remains Open For Reconciliation With Kwankwaso

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Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has stated that he is not closing the door on reconciliation with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Ganduje, a two‑term former governor of Kano State, made the remarks in an interview with the BBC, highlighting that his faith as a Muslim discourages permanent estrangement, even with political rivals.

“As a Muslim, is there anyone you would refuse to reconcile with? Politics aside, we hope that in the future we can fully reconcile because we have shared the political arena for years, and we are brothers,” he said.

His comments follow shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State defected from the NNPP to the APC, a move that significantly altered the political dynamics in the state.

Ganduje described Kwankwaso as a longtime political ally, noting their years of collaboration in party politics.

“There is no doubt about our history together. We are pleased with the current development and excited about it. The governor is also happy to have made this move,” Ganduje said.

He emphasised that leadership positions in politics are temporary and explained that APC’s internal hierarchy will be decided through party elections from the ward level up to the national level, concluding by the end of February.

“When the time comes, we will see how every party has its representatives included in the structure,” he added.

Acknowledging past disagreements, Ganduje suggested that the defection and current alignment mark a fresh beginning.

“Before, we had our differences, but now we are united. Those issues are behind us. Our focus now is on the development of Kano State and achieving success within the party,” he said.

He framed success in Kano as a collective responsibility: “If he succeeds, we succeed. If we succeed, he succeeds. If we fail, we fail together. Everyone must contribute to ensuring the government succeeds because its success benefits all of us.”

Addressing rumours of a supposed 60 %–40 % power-sharing arrangement favouring the governor, Ganduje dismissed the claim.

“It is the national party that may propose such arrangements, but so far, we have not received any written evidence of this,” he said, stressing that nothing formal has been issued.

“Well, we have not recognised any such deal. What matters is that the government was formed for the people’s benefit, to ensure progress,” Ganduje added.

He noted that any privileges Governor Yusuf may have held under the NNPP might have changed during the political realignment but clarified that this was not orchestrated by the APC.

“All we know is that a government has been established, a government that will work for the people, especially the poor,” he stated firmly.

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