Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has spoken on the growing calls for his return to the All Progressives Congress, setting clear conditions for any possible alliance.
Meeting with political associates and supporters at his residence in Kano, Kwankwaso said he would only consider joining the APC if there is a binding agreement that protects the interests of both the NNPP and his political movement known as Kwankwasiyya.
“Those asking us to return to the APC should understand that we can only do so on the basis of a clear and transparent agreement that safeguards the interests of the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya. We will not allow ourselves to be used and later abandoned,” he declared.
He reminded his audience of his role as one of the founding fathers of the APC, recalling the persecution he and his allies endured from security agencies during the previous administration. Despite those sacrifices, Kwankwaso said his camp was ignored once the party assumed power.
“We were there when the APC was formed and we paid the price for standing strong. Yet when the party came into government our contributions were overlooked simply because we were not part of their original faction,” he said.
The former Defence Minister added that he and his loyalists are not desperate to leave the NNPP, describing the party as a platform that currently gives them stability and peace of mind. However, he stressed that strategic alliances could be considered if they are based on trust and a publicly respected agreement.
“We are not in a hurry to leave the NNPP. But if there is to be any alliance, whether with the APC or the PDP, it must be built on trust, transparency and an agreement that will not end in betrayal,” Kwankwaso stated.
His comments have again stirred political discussions as realignments begin to shape ahead of the next election cycle.
