Kwankwaso Demands Ironclad Guarantees for APC Defection

The shifting sands of Nigerian politics have once again centered on Kano, as Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), laid out a set of stringent conditions for any potential return to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Wednesday at his Miller Road residence in Kano, the former governor made it clear that while he has not slammed the door on rejoining the ruling party, he will not move “blindly” or without a solid agreement.

Addressing a gathering of his loyal Kwankwasiyya followers from Rano and Dawakin Tofa local governments, Kwankwaso emphasized that the survival of the current Kano State government remains his primary red line. The veteran politician, whose influence in the North remains a critical variable for the 2027 elections, insisted that the APC must provide “clear assurances” regarding the fate of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the wider political structure of his movement before any papers are signed.

The timing of Kwankwaso’s statement is particularly significant, coming at a moment when political observers have noted increased pressure on his supporters to jump ship. Earlier this week, the former governor had even advised some of his aides and lawmakers—who felt emotionally strained by the intense lobbying—to “play along” and sign documents indicating a willingness to defect if it would ease their immediate distress. However, his latest remarks serve as a firm reminder that the final call rests with him and will depend on a “concrete agreement.”

Kwankwaso’s caution is rooted in a history of perceived betrayals. During the meeting, he recalled the formation of the APC in 2013, a process in which he was a key architect as part of the “G-7” governors. He lamented that despite the immense sacrifices made to build the party and bring it to power, his faction was eventually sidelined and “abandoned.” For Kwankwaso, rejoining the APC in 2026 without a binding pact would be to repeat the mistakes of a decade ago.

One of the most granular demands made by the NNPP leader involves the protection of his legislative block. He specifically questioned the fate of his lawmakers and the numerous political appointees currently serving in the Kano State government. “I need to know where I stand,” Kwankwaso stated, emphasizing that he is seeking more than just a personal appointment but rather the preservation of a political ecosystem that has defined Kano’s governance for years.

The meeting was a show of force for the Kwankwasiyya movement, attended by heavyweights including Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and the state’s NNPP Chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa. Their presence served as a public reaffirmation of loyalty to Kwankwaso, countering rumors that the movement was unraveling under the weight of federal pressure. The officials took turns pledging their continued allegiance to the “Red Cap” revolution, signaling that the movement remains a unified bargaining unit.

Political analysts suggest that Kwankwaso’s “fresh conditions” are a tactical masterstroke. By publicly demanding a guarantee for the Kano State government, he is effectively putting the APC on notice: if they want his massive grassroots support base, they must accept his control over the state’s political machinery. This creates a complex dilemma for the APC leadership, particularly given the historical rivalry between Kwankwaso and the immediate past APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

As the 2027 general elections loom on the horizon, the dance between the NNPP and the APC is expected to intensify. Kwankwaso’s demand for a “solid agreement on the ground” suggests that he is looking for more than just a verbal handshake. He is looking for a contract that ensures his followers do not become “ghosts” within a larger party structure. For now, the “Red Cap” remains firmly on the NNPP side of the fence, waiting to see if the APC is willing to pay the high price of admission to the Kwankwasiyya fold.