Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and 2023 presidential hopeful, has thrown a gauntlet down — he is “ready to join” the All Progressives Congress (APC), but only on “strong conditions” that guarantee real benefits for his political movement. His declaration, made during a meeting in Kano with former APC stalwarts, marks one of the most consequential political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key Points & Conditions
1. Tangible Benefits for NNPP
Kwankwaso insists that any merger or return to APC must come with concrete, “tangible benefits” for the NNPP. It is not enough to promise power; what matters is what members of NNPP stand to gain — roles, recognition, and influence.
2. Respect and Protection for NNPP’s Structure
He emphasised that NNPP and his own political movement (Kwankwasiyya) must remain intact and respected. “No state where you go that you don’t have NNPP and Kwankwasiyya,” he declared, warning strongly against being “used and dumped.”
3. Acknowledgement for Past Sacrifices
Kwankwaso recounted how he and other key personalities were foundational to the APC’s creation in 2013, enduring political persecution by agencies like the ICPC, EFCC, and the police. Yet he says their sacrifices were never appreciated, nor rewarded, during APC’s governance — under Buhari especially.
4. Clear, Public Agreement
Any political alliance must include publicly verifiable agreements. In past alliances with both APC and PDP, he asserted, terms were reneged upon, and no formal protections were provided. This time, he demands assurances in writing, in public view.
5. State- and Candidate-Level Considerations
Because NNPP already has gubernatorial and senatorial candidates across many states and a national structure in place, Kwankwaso is demanding clarity about what those structures will gain from a merger. He seeks neither erasure of the NNPP presence in states nor marginalisation of its candidates.
Reaction from APC
The ruling party has responded cautiously. The state secretary of APC in Kano, Zakari Ibrahim Sarina, signalled that APC would be willing to accept Kwankwaso back provided he respects the party’s principles and rule of law. He also dismissed fears that Kwankwaso would “control” the party if he returned, noting the APC has national spread and cannot become a subsidiary of any individual.
Implications for 2027 Elections
Strategic Repositioning: Kwankwaso’s move signals a strategic recalibration. By leaving the door ajar for APC, he appears to be hedging his bets, seeking leverage in power negotiations ahead of 2027.
Electoral Weights: NNPP controls certain strongholds — in Kano and elsewhere — which, in a tight national contest, could be decisive. Any arrangement with APC might alter regional election dynamics significantly.
Party Credibility and Trust: Kwankwaso’s insistence on public agreements suggests an erosion of trust in past political dealings. A successful reconciliation would need to address not just positions, but trust deficits.
Broader Party Coalitions: This possible return to APC (or a formal alliance) may reshape coalitions and alignments among other parties (PDP, smaller parties) as they respond to shifting power centers.
Final Thoughts
Kwankwaso’s stance is not a tap on the shoulder — it’s a negotiation. He is making clear that returning to APC is possible, but only under conditions that safeguard the identity, structure, influence, and integrity of NNPP. For APC, the obligation is straightforward: make credible promises, offer roles that validate the sacrifices of the past, and ensure that the deal is public and binding. The unfolding negotiations could redefine the political landscape as Nigeria approaches its next general elections.
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