Rabiu Kwankwaso’s expected return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already causing tension and confusion within the party, especially as it prepares for the 2027 elections in Kano State.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) is said to be making moves to rejoin the APC.
It is understood that his expected move will likely disrupt the plans and ambitions of several APC leaders who have been working quietly to position themselves ahead of the next elections.
While the Kano State chapter of the APC has expressed readiness to welcome him, some party members are not excited about the idea. Many fear his return may disturb the balance of power, especially among those planning to run for governor in 2027.
Recall that the APC’s state chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, had confirmed to journalists that the party had received reports about Kwankwaso’s possible defection. He said the party was happy about the development and had asked local branches to begin preparing.
“We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register,” Abbas said. “Also, we want to assure our elected party officials from the ward, local government, senatorial and state levels that they will continue to function as provided by the tenure of their office in the party constitution.
“For the purpose of seeking any future party or elective position, any old or new entrants shall be free to exercise his/her constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference,” he added.
But some insiders say the news has made many aspirants uneasy, especially those who see Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, as the party’s top contender for the governorship.
One senior party member, speaking anonymously, said Barau has been at the forefront of efforts to rebuild the APC in Kano after its 2023 defeat.
“It is worthy of mention that Sen. Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, has been the pillar behind the APC’s renewed zeal, especially the membership drive,” the source said.
Barau, who represents Kano North, has reportedly pivoted the defection of several former NNPP leaders to the APC and strengthened the party’s base across the state.
“Barau actually needs the support of everyone in the party toward capturing the state in the 2027 governorship election,” the source added.
Another party chieftain also expressed concerns. He said: “Barau’s growing influence has put the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement on edge ahead of the 2027 elections. Even with the influence of the NNPP as the ruling party in Kano, Barau has refused to be intimidated.
“Although NNPP won the governorship and presidential elections, he fought a good fight in Kano North, winning his senatorial seat and delivering the district to President Bola Tinubu.
“Due to its defeat, APC was boxed into the opposition in Kano. Undeterred by the blow of fate, Barau decided to stay in the gap and he has been the leading figure in maintaining the APC structure in the state since then,” he added.
According to him, Barau has helped bring many big names into the party, including Senator Kawu Sumaila, Kabiru Rerum, Abdullahi Sani Rogo, former Secretary to the State Government Dr Baffa Bichi, and several others.
A source from Barau’s camp admitted that Kwankwaso’s return could complicate the party’s plans: “Barau has actually positioned himself as the rightful aspirant for the governorship in 2027. However, the coming of Kwankwaso might result in some dislocations within the party. But we are still hopeful because Barau is fully on the ground.”
Adding to the opposition to the planned move is Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Yusuf Ata.
“Kwankwaso is no longer active in Kano. He is only coming to APC, not that we invited him. I am assuring you and even Mr. President has all his records from the grassroots in Kano. He is no more attractive, no more alternative. So, he is struggling to be accommodated in the APC. That may bring a lot of crisis in the APC in Kano State. This is our position, unless it is a decision from our father to accommodate him,” Ata said while speaking recently to journalists after meeting with APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje in Abuja.
“I was in the House of Assembly in 1999 when Kwankwaso was the governor. So, I know Kwankwaso very well. He is no longer attractive in Kano. We have no deal unless the national chairman says yes, and as a leader, we should accommodate him,” he added.
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