According to a report published via X, former Kano State governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly making moves to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The potential defection has triggered unease among APC members, especially those with their eyes on the 2027 governorship race. While the state chapter of the APC has welcomed the development publicly, insiders suggest that several key figures are feeling threatened by Kwankwaso’s expected influence.
Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, APC Chairman in Kano, acknowledged the situation during a recent media interaction. He confirmed that the party was prepared to welcome new entrants and instructed members to mobilize at the ward level for registration. However, he also reassured existing executives that their tenure would remain intact.
The tension primarily surrounds Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, who is widely regarded as the leading contender for the APC’s 2027 gubernatorial ticket. Party members close to Barau view Kwankwaso’s return as a direct challenge to the groundwork Barau has been laying since the party lost power in Kano in 2023.
A senior APC member commented, “Barau actually needs the support of everyone in the party toward capturing the state in the 2027 governorship election.”
Barau, representing Kano North, has played a major role in bringing back former NNPP members into the APC. Names like Senator Kawu Sumaila, Abdullahi Sani Rogo, Dr. Baffa Bichi, and others have reportedly joined under his influence.
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, voiced strong opposition to Kwankwaso’s return. Speaking after meeting with APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, he stated that Kwankwaso’s relevance in Kano politics had faded. He emphasized that any accommodation of Kwankwaso would have to come from the party’s national leadership, not the state.
Kwankwaso’s next political move could reshape internal party dynamics as the countdown to 2027 begins. For now, the APC in Kano remains divided — some see opportunity, others see a looming clash of ambitions.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
