Strong signals have emerged that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and ex-presidential candidate, is in discussions with the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) about defecting from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Sources say he has formally informed APC’s headquarters in Abuja of his intention to join the party.
One insider at the APC secretariat in Abuja confirmed that meetings between Kwankwaso and the APC national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, are already in advanced stages. The push for this move reportedly follows a meeting Kwankwaso held with officials at the presidency to discuss his possible return.
Among the conditions Kwankwaso is said to have set for the return are: that his protégé, the current governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, be given the APC ticket for the next governorship election; and that Kwankwaso himself be accorded a prominent role in the subsequent APC government.
While sources close to Kwankwaso have not confirmed how far the negotiations have gone, some within his circle say the governor is ready to defect—pending his mentor’s approval.
The APC’s national publicity director, however, has dismissed the letter of intent as speculative, saying that he is not aware of any such formal submission by Kwankwaso. He declined to confirm if there are ongoing behind-scenes talks.
Background context:
Kwankwaso was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in 2023 and played a major role in the party’s victories in Kano State that year.
His move to APC would represent a significant shift and likely affect the political dynamics in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections.
There is also internal tension within NNPP, including competing factions and leadership disputes.
If the defection happens, political observers believe it would strengthen the APC’s position in Kano and could help the ruling party improve its vote margins in the North.
Ahead defection: Kwankwaso in talks with Nentawe
