Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, has laid down a definitive roadmap for any potential alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His condition is non-negotiable: any move must come with concrete assurances safeguarding the future of the Kano state government and the welfare of his political structure.
"We Must First Be Clearly Assured": Kwankwaso's Non-Negotiable Stance
Addressing a gathering of leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Kwankwaso clarified his position amidst swirling defection rumours. He explicitly stated that he has not ruled out joining the APC, but such a decision hinges on one critical factor.
"I didn't say I won't join APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government before we join the APC," Kwankwaso declared. "What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect?" This statement underscores his primary concern: protecting the political interests of his loyalists and the administration currently in power in Kano.
Learning from the Past: A Cautious Leader's Rationale
The former governor's cautious approach is deeply rooted in previous political experiences. He recalled instances where members of his Kwankwasiyya movement helped form governments, only to be marginalised afterwards. This history of perceived betrayal informs his current demand for clear guarantees.
"In the past, we joined and contributed to forming the government, but later we were abandoned. That was why we left the party," Kwankwaso explained, highlighting the lessons learned. "Have they now changed their position toward us? Everyone knows the role we played at that time." He emphasized that, to date, no one has provided him with a clear assurance that his group would be allowed to retain its government and continue its political structure, a point he considers fundamental before any further discussions.
Show of Strength and Implications for 2027
The meeting served as a powerful display of Kwankwaso's enduring influence within the NNPP and Kano politics. High-ranking officials were present to publicly reaffirm their loyalty, including:
- State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo
- Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Mata
- State NNPP Chairman, Hon. Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa
This show of unity, amid speculation about Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's own political direction, signals a consolidation of the Kwankwasiyya bloc. Political analysts view Kwankwaso's statements as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections. He is effectively negotiating from a position of strength, ensuring that any potential realignment guarantees the stability of his political legacy and the continuity of his supporters' welfare.
By setting these terms, Kwankwaso has shifted the narrative from mere defection speculation to a conditional negotiation. The ball is now in the court of the APC to meet these demands if they seek to bring the influential political figure and his vast structure into their fold. The development marks a critical moment in the shaping of political alliances for the next electoral cycle in Nigeria.
