In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has publicly extended an invitation to his long-time political rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to join the ruling party. Speaking at a high-profile stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, Ganduje emphasized the APC’s inclusive approach, famously declaring that the vote of a thief and a cleric carries equal weight in the democratic process. This statement, laced with both pragmatism and controversy, underscores the APC’s determination to consolidate power in Kano State and beyond as the 2027 general elections loom.
The event, held on September 26, 2025, at the Coronation Hall of the Kano State Government House, was attended by key APC figures, including state governors, National Assembly members, and grassroots mobilizers. Ganduje’s remarks were not only a strategic call for unity within the APC but also a bold outreach to political adversaries, particularly Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and a prominent figure in the opposition New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). The invitation has sparked intense debates about the future of Kano’s political dynamics, given the historical rivalry between Ganduje and Kwankwaso, two titans of Northern Nigerian politics.
A Storied Rivalry: Ganduje and Kwankwaso’s Political History
To fully appreciate the significance of Ganduje’s overture, it is essential to revisit the complex and often contentious relationship between him and Kwankwaso. Both men have been central figures in Kano’s political landscape for decades, with their paths intertwining as allies and adversaries. Kwankwaso, a former two-term governor of Kano State (1999–2003 and 2011–2015), is renowned for his populist policies and the establishment of the Kwankwasiyya movement, a socio-political ideology that emphasizes education, empowerment, and grassroots mobilization. His red cap, a symbol of the movement, has become a potent emblem of loyalty among his followers.
Ganduje, on the other hand, served as Kwankwaso’s deputy governor during both of Kwankwaso’s terms as governor. Their partnership was initially strong, with Ganduje playing a key role in implementing Kwankwaso’s policies. However, their relationship deteriorated after Kwankwaso’s second term, particularly when Ganduje succeeded him as governor in 2015 under the APC banner. The fallout was marked by public disputes, allegations of betrayal, and a fierce struggle for control of Kano’s political machinery.
The 2019 governorship election in Kano was a flashpoint in their rivalry. Ganduje, seeking re-election, faced a formidable challenge from Abba Kabir Yusuf, a Kwankwaso protégé running under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The election was marred by allegations of electoral malpractices, culminating in a controversial supplementary election that secured Ganduje’s victory. The bitter contest deepened the divide between the two camps, with Kwankwaso accusing Ganduje of undermining democracy and Ganduje countering that Kwankwaso was desperate to maintain his influence in Kano.
In 2023, the pendulum swung back in Kwankwaso’s favor. His candidate, Abba Kabir Yusuf, now representing the NNPP, defeated the APC’s Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna to reclaim the Kano governorship. The victory was seen as a triumph for the Kwankwasiyya movement and a blow to Ganduje’s political dominance in the state. However, legal battles over the election results persisted, with the APC challenging Yusuf’s victory. The Supreme Court eventually upheld Yusuf’s win in early 2024, solidifying Kwankwaso’s grip on Kano’s political landscape.
Against this backdrop, Ganduje’s invitation to Kwankwaso to join the APC is a dramatic shift, signaling a potential realignment in one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile states. The move has raised questions about whether it is a genuine attempt at reconciliation or a calculated strategy to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Context of Ganduje’s Remarks
Ganduje’s statement about the equal weight of votes, regardless of the voter’s moral standing, was made during a discussion about the APC’s strategy to expand its membership base. “In a democracy, the vote of a thief carries the same weight as the vote of a cleric,” Ganduje declared, eliciting a mix of laughter and murmurs from the audience. He went on to explain that the APC is a party for all Nigerians, irrespective of their background, and that the party’s doors are open to anyone willing to contribute to its growth.
The comment, while provocative, reflects a pragmatic approach to politics. Ganduje’s message was clear: the APC is focused on winning elections, and it is prepared to embrace a broad coalition of supporters to achieve that goal. By extending an invitation to Kwankwaso, Ganduje is not only acknowledging the latter’s political influence but also signaling the APC’s willingness to absorb opposition figures to strengthen its position in Kano and the broader North-West region.
The stakeholders’ meeting where Ganduje made these remarks was part of a broader effort to rally APC members in Kano following a series of electoral setbacks. The loss of the governorship in 2023 and the ongoing defections of APC members to the NNPP have weakened the party’s foothold in the state. Ganduje, who has been APC National Chairman since August 2023, is under pressure to deliver Kano, a state with one of the largest voting populations in Nigeria, for the APC in 2027.
Kwankwaso’s Response and the Kwankwasiyya Factor
As of the time of this report, Senator Kwankwaso has not publicly responded to Ganduje’s invitation. Sources close to the Kwankwasiyya movement, however, suggest that the offer is unlikely to be accepted. Kwankwaso, a seasoned politician with a loyal following, has built a formidable political structure through the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement. His influence extends beyond Kano, with supporters in neighboring states like Jigawa, Katsina, and Kaduna.
Defecting to the APC would require Kwankwaso to dismantle or significantly weaken his political brand, a move that analysts believe is improbable given his track record of independence. “Kwankwaso thrives on his ability to mobilize the masses independently of the mainstream parties,” said Dr. Aminu Sani, a political analyst based in Kano. “Joining the APC would mean subordinating his ideology to the party’s structure, which is something he has consistently resisted.”
Moreover, Kwankwaso’s recent political trajectory suggests he is positioning himself for a larger role on the national stage. Speculation has been rife that he may contest the presidency in 2027, either under the NNPP or as part of a coalition with other opposition parties. His decision to leave the PDP in 2022 and revive the NNPP was seen as a strategic move to maintain his autonomy while building a platform to challenge the APC and PDP.
The Broader Implications for Kano and Nigeria
Ganduje’s outreach to Kwankwaso is emblematic of the fluidity of Nigerian politics, where alliances are often formed and broken based on strategic calculations rather than ideological alignment. Kano, with its estimated 5.5 million registered voters, is a critical battleground in Nigerian elections. The state’s political allegiance can significantly influence the outcome of national elections, particularly the presidency.
The APC’s interest in wooing Kwankwaso is driven by the recognition of his ability to mobilize voters. The Kwankwasiyya movement, with its grassroots appeal, has consistently demonstrated its electoral strength. In the 2023 elections, the NNPP not only won the governorship but also secured several seats in the Kano State House of Assembly and the National Assembly. Absorbing Kwankwaso and his followers into the APC could tilt the balance of power in the party’s favor, especially in a state where it has struggled to regain its footing.
However, the move is not without risks. Integrating a figure as influential as Kwankwaso into the APC could create internal tensions, particularly among Ganduje’s loyalists who view Kwankwaso as a rival. The APC’s rank-and-file members in Kano may also be wary of embracing a former adversary whose followers have clashed with APC supporters in the past.
On a national level, Ganduje’s invitation reflects the APC’s broader strategy of consolidating power ahead of 2027. With President Bola Tinubu’s first term nearing its midpoint, the party is keen to expand its base and neutralize opposition strongholds. Similar overtures have been made to other opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. These efforts underscore the APC’s determination to maintain its dominance in Nigerian politics.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
The news of Ganduje’s invitation has elicited varied reactions from political stakeholders across Nigeria. In Kano, APC members have expressed mixed feelings. Some see the move as a masterstroke that could unify the state’s political class and strengthen the party’s chances in 2027. “Bringing Kwankwaso into the APC would be a game-changer,” said Alhaji Musa Iliyasu, a prominent APC chieftain in Kano. “His followers are loyal and numerous, and their support could guarantee our victory.”
Others, however, are skeptical. “This is a risky move,” cautioned Hajiya Aisha Danladi, a women’s leader in the APC. “Kwankwaso’s supporters may not follow him to the APC, and we risk alienating our own members who have fought against the Kwankwasiyya movement for years.”
Within the NNPP, the response has been largely dismissive. A senior NNPP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described Ganduje’s invitation as “a desperate attempt to weaken the opposition.” The official added, “Kwankwaso is focused on building the NNPP into a national force. He has no interest in joining a party that he believes has failed to deliver for Nigerians.”
Civil society groups and political analysts have also weighed in on the development. The Kano chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) urged politicians to prioritize governance over political maneuvering. “The people of Kano are more concerned about access to education, healthcare, and security than these elite power games,” said Comrade Ibrahim Garba, the CLO’s state coordinator.
Dr. Chidi Okeke, a lecturer in political science at Ahmadu Bello University, described Ganduje’s remarks as a reflection of the transactional nature of Nigerian politics. “The statement about the vote of a thief and a cleric carrying equal weight is a candid acknowledgment of the realities of electoral politics,” Okeke said. “It’s not about morality; it’s about numbers. Ganduje is playing to win.”
The Road to 2027: What Lies Ahead
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic. The APC’s overture to Kwankwaso is just one of many moves that will shape the electoral contest. The opposition, including the PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party, is also working to build coalitions to challenge the APC’s dominance.
In Kano, the rivalry between Ganduje and Kwankwaso will remain a defining feature of the state’s politics. Whether or not Kwankwaso accepts the APC’s invitation, his influence will continue to loom large. For Ganduje, the challenge is to rebuild the APC’s support base in Kano while navigating the complexities of national party leadership.
The broader implications of this development extend beyond Kano. The North-West geopolitical zone, which includes Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto, is a critical region in Nigerian politics. The APC’s ability to maintain its dominance in the region will depend on its success in managing internal divisions and attracting key opposition figures like Kwankwaso.
Conclusion
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s invitation to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join the APC is a bold and calculated move that reflects the fluidity and pragmatism of Nigerian politics. By emphasizing the equal weight of every vote, Ganduje has underscored the APC’s commitment to expanding its membership and consolidating power ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the success of this strategy remains uncertain, given the deep-seated rivalry between the two political heavyweights and the complexities of Kano’s political landscape.
As the nation watches this unfolding drama, one thing is clear: the battle for Kano’s political soul is far from over. Whether through reconciliation or continued rivalry, Ganduje and Kwankwaso will remain central figures in shaping the state’s—and Nigeria’s—political future. For now, all eyes are on Kwankwaso as the political class and the public await his response to Ganduje’s unexpected olive branch.
