Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has outlined specific conditions for his potential return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasized that any discussions regarding a merger or his return to the ruling party must guarantee clear and tangible benefits for the NNPP and its members.
Kwankwaso articulated these conditions during a meeting at his Miller Road residence in Kano, where he received Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, along with APC members from Kano State.
He stressed that the NNPP would not allow itself to be “used and dumped” again, drawing on past experiences with both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A primary condition for rejoining the APC is the demand for “strong promises” and a clear understanding of what the NNPP stands to gain. Kwankwaso highlighted the NNPP’s nationwide structure, including gubernatorial candidates in all states, and questioned what the APC would offer these individuals if a merger were to occur.
He also insisted on the full recognition of his influential Kwankwasiyya Movement, stating that his loyalty to his supporters is non-negotiable.
Kwankwaso reminded the delegation of his instrumental role in the formation of the APC in 2013, enduring political persecution during the process. He expressed disappointment that despite his contributions, the eight years of the APC under former President Muhammadu Buhari yielded “nothing, not even appreciation” for him and his allies.
The Similarly, he recalled that the PDP refused their request for even a zonal party chairman when they sought to return to that party.
While the NNPP remains open to fresh negotiations, Kwankwaso reiterated that any future collaboration would require transparent and publicly visible commitments to ensure accountability.
The Kano State chapter of the APC, through its Secretary Zakari Ibrahim Sarina, has indicated a willingness to welcome Kwankwaso back, provided he is law-abiding and respects the party’s principles. However, Sarina cautioned that Kwankwaso should not expect to control the APC, emphasizing that it is a national party unlike the NNPP, which he controls.
