Kwankwaso says APC defection possible, sets conditions
Kola Oyelere, Kano
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A former Governor of Kano State and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he is not opposed to defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but insisted that such a move would depend on clear assurances regarding the future of the Kano State Government and the welfare of his political supporters.
Kwankwaso made this position known on Wednesday while addressing party leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas, alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, at his Miller Road residence in Kano.
Clarifying what he described as widespread misconceptions about his stance, the former governor said he had not outrightly rejected the APC, but remained cautious based on past political experiences.
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“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?” he said.
Kwankwaso recalled previous political alliances in which his political camp played key roles in forming governments but were later sidelined, a development that led to their eventual exit from the party.
“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 stated.
He further disclosed that no concrete assurances had so far been given to protect the Kwankwasiyya political structure and the interests of its members.
“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,” Kwankwaso added.
His remarks come amid growing political realignments and speculations over possible defections ahead of future elections in Kano State and across the country.