APC Abandons Kwankwaso Negotiations Over Excessive Demands
Political dynamics in Kano State have taken a dramatic turn with the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant political shift has exposed the underlying tensions and failed negotiations between the APC and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NNPP national leader and former presidential candidate.
Failed Negotiations and Unrealistic Demands
According to sources familiar with the political developments, negotiations between President Bola Tinubu's administration and Kwankwaso spanned several months, with numerous meetings taking place in Abuja. The presidency initially viewed Kwankwaso as a strategic partner who could help the APC consolidate power in Kano and the broader Northwest region, particularly given the NNPP's strong performance in the 2023 general elections.
However, these negotiations ultimately collapsed due to what APC insiders describe as excessive and unrealistic demands from the NNPP leader. Sources within the ruling party revealed that Kwankwaso's requests created immediate concerns about the party's future stability and direction.
The Deal-Breaking Demands
The specific demands that derailed the negotiations included:
- Twenty percent control of the APC's national structure nationwide
- A guaranteed vice presidential slot in the upcoming elections
- Political guarantees extending through the 2031 political cycle
An APC source emphasized the unprecedented nature of these requests, stating: "Even President Bola Tinubu has not specifically asked for any percentage share of the APC. That demand for 20 percent of the structure of the APC nationwide was a deal breaker. Besides, the vice-presidential position was never on the table."
The party leadership made it clear to Kwankwaso that his requests were unacceptable, particularly the demand for guarantees extending to 2031, which they considered premature and unreasonable at this stage of political planning.
Governor Yusuf's Defection and Political Fallout
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf officially joined the APC on Monday, January 26, citing the need to align Kano State with the federal government for developmental purposes. However, his defection has been met with criticism from some quarters, with opposition leaders describing his move as a betrayal of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Sources within the NNPP, including the Boniface Aniebonam bloc, have suggested that Governor Yusuf's decision to leave the party stemmed from Kwankwaso's domineering leadership style and what they describe as his slavish intentions toward party members.
Changing Political Landscape
The failed negotiations and subsequent defection highlight the evolving political landscape in Northern Nigeria. Political strategists are reportedly already discussing potential replacements for Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections, indicating that political realignments are continuing despite the breakdown of the APC-Kwankwaso talks.
This development also raises questions about the future of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has seen its political influence wane since the 2023 elections. Kwankwaso's inability to translate his previous electoral success into sustained political leverage has left him increasingly isolated within Nigeria's complex political ecosystem.
The political maneuvers in Kano demonstrate how personality-driven politics, unrealistic demands, and shifting alliances continue to shape Nigeria's democratic landscape, with implications that will likely extend through the 2027 general elections and beyond.
