Former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he would only consider returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) if the interests of his Kwankwasiyya Movement are fully recognised.
Kwankwaso spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano where he made it clear that while he remains open to political negotiations, his loyalty to his political base is not up for compromise.
“I am willing to engage with the APC, but only under a clear agreement that guarantees full recognition of my political movement, the Kwankwasiyya. My movement and its people are paramount to me, and I cannot abandon them for any political arrangement,” he said.
The former Minister of Defence recalled how he and his allies contributed to the formation of the APC, lamenting that they were sidelined during the party’s eight years in power under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We were among the founding fathers of the APC and endured significant persecution from security agencies while opposing the previous administration. Yet when the party assumed power, we received no recognition simply because we did not originate from their original faction,” he added.
Kwankwaso also accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of similar neglect, saying his group could not even secure a zonal party chairman position when they attempted to return to the party.
According to him, the experience has strengthened his camp’s resolve to remain politically independent.
The two-time presidential candidate stressed that the NNPP has grown into a formidable force in Nigerian politics. He, however, noted that the party remains open to “genuine partnerships with any political party willing to treat us as equal partners.”
Kwankwaso added that even if the PDP were to seek reconciliation, any collaboration must come with “transparent and publicly visible commitments” to ensure accountability.