Discontent is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over a possible political alliance between President Bola Tinubu and former New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, senior APC figures are growing uneasy about the terms of the proposed deal, which could see Kwankwaso and key NNPP lawmakers defect to the ruling party. The concern largely stems from speculations that these new entrants are being promised automatic tickets for the 2027 elections.
Inside sources claim the arrangement, reportedly facilitated by President Tinubu, has upset power dynamics within the party—especially in Kano State. The APC’s national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and some party heavyweights fear their political ambitions may be sidelined to accommodate Kwankwaso’s influence.
Three NNPP lawmakers—Senator Sumaila Kawu and Representatives Aliyu Sani Madaki and Kabiru Usman Rurum—have reportedly met with Ganduje, signaling intentions to join the APC. Kano APC chairman Abdullahi Abbas has warned against offering preferential treatment to defectors, stating:
“We are also aware that some individuals are seeking to join our party for personal reasons—either because they have failed politically… or because they are under investigation… They should know that our party is not a safe haven for certain categories of people.”
Abbas’s remarks reflect internal frustration, especially as top politicians in the APC are wary of losing their footing in upcoming electoral contests. There’s also speculation that if Kwankwaso brings Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf along, Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin may have to abandon his own 2027 governorship ambitions.
Despite rising tension, NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson confirmed consultations are ongoing, but added that no final decision has been made. “Kwankwaso is busy consulting with the party, building the base and structures,” he said. “If he is going to join the APC or any other party, it will be announced formally.”
Meanwhile, APC National Working Committee member Duro Meseko denied knowledge of any formal talks with Kwankwaso, raising further questions about how coordinated the move really is.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
