The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has outlined conditions for rejoining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at his Kano residence, the former governor said any political alliance must be built on mutual respect for the NNPP and his political movement, Kwankwasiyya. He stressed that his supporters and party members are spread across all states, with gubernatorial, senatorial, and other candidates already established under the NNPP.
In his words, “…those calling on us to join APC, we have agreed to join the APC but on clear agreement that protects and respects the interest of my party, NNPP and my political movement, Kwankwasiyya. No state where you go that you don’t have NNPP and Kwankwasiyya. We have gubernatorial candidates, senatorial candidates and others. We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.”
Kwankwaso recalled that he and his allies were among the founding members of the APC, enduring persecution from security agencies while opposing the previous government. However, he lamented that their sacrifices were disregarded when the APC came to power because they were not part of the party’s original bloc.
He added that for now, there is no rush to abandon the NNPP, noting that he and his movement enjoy peace of mind in their current position. Still, he welcomed the idea of a political alliance provided that it comes with strong assurances and transparency. “Even if it is the PDP that realised their mistakes, let’s enter an agreement that will be made public,” he said.
What You Should Know
Kwankwaso has said he is open to an alliance with the APC, or even the PDP, but only under binding conditions that safeguard the interests of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement.
He insists that his camp will not accept a repeat of the marginalisation they experienced after helping form the APC.
