National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has indicated interest in joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing NNPP supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa local government areas who paid him a loyalty visit at his residence in Kano on Thursday, Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said he has not ruled out the option but would proceed with caution.
He said his hesitation was informed by past political experiences, stressing that any move to the APC must be guided by clear assurances aimed at protecting his supporters and the political structure in Kano State.
“I didn’t say I won’t join the APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government before we join the APC,” Kwankwaso said.
He questioned what would become of NNPP lawmakers and supporters if they defected without firm guarantees.
“What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect? I will not go to the APC blindly. I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of the journey, and the fate of our plans for the common people,” he added.
Kwankwaso explained that his position on the possible defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had been misunderstood, insisting that his priority was to maintain leverage in negotiations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership.
Recalling a previous political alliance, he said his camp played a major role in forming the Muhammadu Buhari-led government but was later sidelined.
According to him, no firm or written assurances have so far been offered to safeguard the interests of the Kwankwasiyya movement or guarantee fair treatment of its members within any new political arrangement.
“Without written assurances, abandoning the NNPP would be premature and risky,” he said.