Kano, Nigeria – January 15, 2026 – Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has reiterated that he remains open to political realignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but only under strict conditions that safeguard the future of the Kano State government and the welfare of his loyal supporters.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at his Miller Road residence in Kano, Kwankwaso addressed a gathering of leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas, as well as other key figures from the Kwankwasiyya movement. The meeting saw strong reaffirmations of loyalty to the NNPP and Kwankwaso himself, amid escalating speculation about defections in the state.
“I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government before we join the APC. What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect?” Kwankwaso stated emphatically.
The former governor drew on historical experiences to justify his cautious stance. He recalled instances where his political bloc had played pivotal roles in forming governments—particularly at the federal level—only to be sidelined and abandoned afterward. “In the past, we joined and contributed to forming the government, but later we were abandoned. That was why we left the party. Have they now changed their position toward us? Everyone knows the role we played at that time,” he added.
Kwankwaso emphasized that, as of the meeting, no concrete assurances had been received from APC leadership regarding the preservation of the NNPP's political structure in Kano or guarantees against marginalization. “Up till now, no one has given me a clear assurance that we will be allowed to retain our government and continue with our political structure. I need to know where I stand,” he declared.
The remarks come against the backdrop of intense internal tensions within the NNPP in Kano State. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was elected on the NNPP platform in 2023 with strong backing from Kwankwaso, has been at the center of persistent rumors about defecting to the APC. Reports suggest the move could occur as early as January 19, 2026, potentially fracturing the long-standing alliance between the governor and his former mentor.
The situation has been further complicated by conflicting reports over Kwankwaso's position. Earlier in the week, on January 13, 2026, some media outlets interpreted statements from Kwankwaso as giving reluctant approval for elected officials under pressure to sign documents aligning with the governor's purported move to the APC. This was aimed at easing victimization for local government chairmen, councillors, and other officeholders amid alleged coercion.
However, the NNPP swiftly issued clarifications denying any endorsement of Governor Yusuf's defection. Statements from Kwankwaso's media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, and the party's national publicity secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described such reports as “false,” “misleading,” and a “blatant falsehood.” They stressed that Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the NNPP and accused defectors of betraying the mandate given by Kano voters.
Kwankwaso has also accused elements within the Kano State government of forcing officials to choose between loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement and the emerging “Gandujiyya” faction associated with APC interests. He noted receiving distress calls from affected officials, some of whom reportedly faced severe anxiety, sleeplessness, and even health issues due to the pressure.
The deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Commissioner for Science and Technology Yusuf Kofar Mata, NNPP state chairman Hon. Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, and other senior officials attended the Wednesday meeting and publicly pledged their allegiance to Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya cause.
Political analysts view Kwankwaso's conditions as a strategic move to protect his influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kano remains a critical battleground state, and any realignment could reshape the political landscape significantly. The APC in Kano has reportedly prepared to welcome defectors, awaiting confirmation from the presidency on timing.
Meanwhile, the NNPP faces internal challenges, including factional disputes that have seen some members expelled and others barred from future contests on the party platform.
As the political drama unfolds, Kwankwaso's insistence on firm guarantees underscores the high stakes involved. Supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement continue to rally behind their leader, viewing any defection without protections as a repeat of past betrayals.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the coming days could prove decisive for the future of Kano's political dynamics and the broader opposition landscape in Nigeria.
