Nigeria: Kwankwaso Sets Fresh Conditions for Possible Return to APC

15 January 2026

The national leader of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has set fresh conditions for any possible return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he would not defect without clear terms and concrete agreements.

Kwankwaso, a former two-term governor of Kano State, stated this in a video message shared on Facebook by his media aide, Saifullahi Hassan. He said that any decision to join the APC must be based on well-defined roles, a shared political direction, and assurances regarding the welfare of the masses and his large base of supporters.

According to him, joining the ruling party without a clear understanding of expectations and commitments would be unacceptable.

"I will not go to the APC blindly. I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of the journey, and the fate of our plans for the common people, including the position of our supporters and the Kano State Government. That is my stand," Kwankwaso said.

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The NNPP leader emphasised that politics should be guided by principles and agreements that prioritise the interests of ordinary citizens over personal ambition.

His comments come amid sustained speculation over a possible defection of the state governor, Abba Yusuf, to the APC, with some party loyalists mounting pressure on him to lead their political movement into the ruling party.

However, while Governor Yusuf was said to have responded positively to the calls, Kwankwaso was reported to have opposed the move, insisting that any such realignment must follow due consultation and clearly defined terms.

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