JUST IN : Details Revealed on How Kwankwaso is Planning to Return to APC

 

Kwankwaso Planning to Return to APC to Secure Governor Yusuf’s Second Term – Party Chieftain Claims

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has alleged that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, is making efforts to return to the APC. This move, according to Iliyasu, is aimed at securing political leverage to help Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, attain a second term in office.

Iliyasu, who is also a former commissioner and currently serves as the Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama'are River Basin Development Authority, revealed the claim in a press briefing with journalists in Kano on Thursday. He stated that Kwankwaso is attempting to align himself with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen his political standing and assist in Governor Yusuf’s re-election bid.

Political Betrayals and Caution Against Trusting Kwankwaso

Iliyasu expressed caution regarding Kwankwaso’s potential return to the APC, referencing past instances of political betrayal. He pointed out that Kwankwaso had previously aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan, only to abandon both leaders when it suited him. He stated, "Tinubu should ask Atiku and Jonathan about their experiences with Kwankwaso. He aligned himself with Atiku several times, yet history tells the rest of the story. Under Jonathan’s presidency, he pretended to support him, only to abandon him in 2015 when he joined the APC merger."

The APC chieftain further alleged that Kwankwaso’s political moves have always been about personal gain. He referenced Kwankwaso's decision to leave the APC in 2019 for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and later shift to the NNPP in 2023, a move he claimed was aimed at diminishing Atiku’s support in Kano State. Iliyasu argued that Kwankwaso’s actions were motivated by self-interest and a desire to undercut other political figures.

Iliyasu also noted that despite Kwankwaso's efforts to reduce Atiku's votes in Kano, he was unable to stay in the PDP and subsequently switched allegiance to NNPP. He speculated that Kwankwaso might eventually be politically isolated, given that key figures who once supported him, including Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila and Alhassan Rurum, have defected from the NNPP.

NNPP Chairman Denies Defections and Rejects Allegations

In response to Iliyasu’s allegations, the Chairman of the NNPP in Kano, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, strongly denied any claims of defection from his party to the APC. He stated that the NNPP remains united, with its leadership, stakeholders, and governors fully committed to the party’s cause. According to Dungurawa, "We, as NNPP stakeholders, leaders, and governors, remain in the NNPP, and we are doing well. Our governor is performing; he is, in fact, the best-performing governor in Nigeria."

Dungurawa also expressed his disdain for the APC’s governance, calling the party’s policies, particularly those relating to taxation, subsidy removal, insecurity, and economic hardship, "difficult and useless." He questioned why any NNPP member would consider defecting to the APC, which he described as failing in governance. He further criticized the APC, citing comments from a former governor of Kaduna State who admitted that the party lacks talented individuals who truly understand governance.

Rejection of Kwankwaso’s Return to APC

The NNPP chairman further dismissed the possibility of Kwankwaso rejoining the APC, stating that such a move would be against the principles upon which the NNPP was founded. Dungurawa emphasized that Kwankwaso was the central figure in establishing the NNPP and that the party would not exist without his leadership. He dismissed reports of defections from NNPP as baseless, declaring, "Anyone claiming NNPP members are defecting is simply lying."

He concluded by reaffirming Kwankwaso's dedication to the NNPP and rejecting the notion that the party’s founder would return to the APC, citing his strong leadership and commitment to the ideals of the NNPP.

Political Landscape in Kano and National Implications

The ongoing political drama in Kano State involves significant national implications, especially as Kwankwaso and his NNPP continue to play an important role in the political dynamics of the country. Kwankwaso's potential return to the APC would undoubtedly shift the balance of power, not just in Kano, but also in the broader national political sphere. For now, the situation remains fluid, with both sides exchanging sharp words and accusations.

Kwankwaso’s moves and the statements of his political rivals reflect the ever-shifting alliances and rivalries that characterize Nigeria’s complex political environment. The next few months will likely see more political maneuvering as the 2027 elections approach and parties position themselves for power.