Kwankwaso’s Secret Talks with Nentawe

Political Shifts and Strategic Moves in Kano State

Recent developments suggest that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is in discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, regarding a potential return to the ruling party. Sources within the APC in Kano have indicated that Kwankwaso has sent a letter to the APC’s national secretariat in Abuja, expressing his intention to join the party. However, this claim could not be independently verified by the Daily Trust as of press time.

A source at the APC secretariat in Abuja confirmed that Kwankwaso and the APC national chairman have been engaging in talks about the former’s expected defection, with plans reportedly reaching an advanced stage. This comes after a meeting between Kwankwaso and the presidency on the matter. The source emphasized that the party will abide by any decisions made by its leaders, stating, “As a party, we will abide by whatever decision the leaders feel is in the interest of the party.”

Kwankwaso was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections and played a key role in the party’s victories in both the presidential and governorship elections in Kano State, where Abba Kabir Yusuf defeated Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the APC.

Conditions for Return

A reliable source within the Kano APC revealed that Kwankwaso has submitted a set of conditions for his return to the ruling party. According to the source, the letter was forwarded to the APC national leadership in Abuja rather than the Kano chapter, due to lingering rivalries with the state leadership of the party. The source stated, “We are aware of the letter he submitted but it’s not something we can discuss now. If he is coming, we have nothing against that, he is welcome.”

The conditions reportedly include allowing his mentee, the current governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to run under the APC ticket in the upcoming governorship election, while Kwankwaso would be given a prominent position in the next APC government.

Despite these claims, some sources close to Kwankwaso have remained tight-lipped about the progress of the move. However, credible sources close to Governor Yusuf stated that their principal is ready to move, noting, “Our governor has no objection at all. He is only waiting for the green light from his mentor.”

APC’s Response

The APC National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, addressed the alleged letter, stating that it is speculative. He emphasized that the party is open to welcoming any politician who aligns with its progressive ideology and is willing to work for the party’s interests. Ibrahim said, “I don’t know anything concerning the submission of a letter by Kwankwaso to the secretariat.” On whether there were underground negotiations with Kwankwaso, he added, “Not to my knowledge. All these are in the realm of speculations.”

Previous Moves and Strategy Meetings

Kwankwaso had recently declared that his party was not averse to joining the APC. During a meeting with Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, alongside APC members from Kano State, Kwankwaso emphasized the need for tangible benefits for his party if a merger or return to the APC was to occur. He questioned, “If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?”

In response to reports of Kwankwaso’s planned move, critical stakeholders of the APC from Kano State held a strategy meeting in Abuja. Prominent leaders, including Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin and former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and resolved to work toward reclaiming power in Kano in the 2027 governorship election.

Kwankwaso’s Political History

Kwankwaso’s defection to the APC would mark the fourth time he has changed parties in the current dispensation. He began his political career with the PDP, served as governor of Kano State from 1999 to 2003, and later returned to the PDP in 2011. In 2015, he formed a splinter group known as the nPDP before eventually joining the APC.

His defection to the APC in 2015 was significant, as it contributed to the party’s victory in the Kano governorship race. However, he left the APC ahead of the 2023 elections to join the NNPP.

Impact on Opposition Politics

Analysts believe that Kwankwaso’s potential return to the APC could have significant implications for opposition politics. With his control over a substantial portion of the votes in Kano, his defection could weaken the NNPP and strengthen the APC’s position in the state.

The Tinubu administration is reportedly concerned about winning northern votes and is making efforts to secure Kwankwaso’s support. His potential return to the APC could also influence the running mate selection for the 2027 presidential election.

Internal Crisis in the NNPP

Since the 2023 elections, the NNPP has faced internal crises, with rival factions battling over control of the party. One faction led by Dr. Ajuji Ahmed and another by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam have engaged in legal battles over the party’s leadership and symbols.

A recent court ruling dismissed a suit filed by the Kwankwaso-led camp, which challenged the legitimacy of the Aniebonam-led faction. The court ruled that internal party matters are not subject to judicial intervention, leaving the dispute unresolved.

The ongoing crisis has created confusion among party members and supporters, with both factions claiming legitimacy. The situation highlights the challenges facing the NNPP as it navigates internal divisions and external pressures.