WorldStage– Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, has outlined firm conditions for any prospective move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at his Kano residence on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Kwankwaso emphasized that any defection must come with explicit guarantees protecting the interests of his supporters, including lawmakers and party structures in Kano from marginalization.
He recalled past experiences of abandonment after joining and contributing to forming the government, but later marginalized. “That was why we left the party,” he stated.
The remarks coincide with speculation over Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s potential defection to the APC, a move that could exacerbate divisions within the NNPP and the wider Kwankwasiyya movement.
Reports suggest Yusuf’s switch could occur as early as January 19, 2026, despite Kwankwaso’s objections.
The former governor has urged his loyalists under pressure to remain steadfast, citing the risks of betrayal based on his own history with party transitions.
Kwankwaso’s position is also influenced by his political ambitions for 2027. He has previously stated that he will only consider aligning with parties that offer him a presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
This pragmatic stance highlights his enduring influence in Kano politics, where his “red cap” Kwankwasiyya supporters hold significant sway.
At the same time, it exposes internal NNPP tensions, with some party officials hinting that he may not run on the NNPP platform in 2027.
Critics, including former allies such as Ibrahim Shekarau, have questioned the consistency of Kwankwaso’s demands, pointing to his own history of defections without ceding power. Meanwhile, APC sources indicate little interest in meeting his conditions, viewing them as excessive given the party’s current dominance in Kano.
The unfolding scenario could have broader implications for northern Nigerian political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key defections from the NNPP, particularly by figures like Governor Yusuf, would potentially weaken the party while consolidating APC’s hold in Kano State.
Kwankwaso’s demands and the dynamics surrounding them are thus likely to be a defining factor in shaping the region’s political landscape over the coming months.
