Former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that he and his supporters are ready to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but only on strict conditions. He warned that his political movement will not allow itself to be used to win elections and then abandoned afterwards.
Kwankwaso made the statement while addressing supporters and journalists, noting that although his group is open to political alliances, they will only work with the APC if respect, fairness, and inclusion are guaranteed. According to him, lessons from the past have taught them never to agree blindly.
“We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises,” he said. “But we will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us. Our people have suffered that in the past, and we have learned our lessons.”
The former governor stressed that politics is about negotiation, trust, and mutual benefit, not desperation. He recalled that in 2015, his political movement contributed massively to the success of the APC but was sidelined after the party came to power. This, he said, will not be allowed to happen again.
Supporters of Kwankwaso, popularly known as the “Kwankwasiyya” movement, also share this view. They argue that the time has come for their leader and followers to be treated with respect and given their rightful place in any alliance. A supporter in Kano explained, “What Kwankwaso said is the truth. We cannot just join APC or any party without conditions. We have been used before. This time, we must secure the future of our people.”
Kwankwaso’s declaration comes at a time when politicians are already preparing for the 2027 general elections. His remarks are being seen as a signal that he may be considering a return to APC, especially as his party, the NNPP, may not have the national structure to compete with APC and PDP alone. Political observers believe that if Kwankwaso and APC reach an agreement, it could reshape the political landscape in the North and give the ruling party an even stronger grip on power.
Analysts point out that Kwankwaso brings a large following to any political alliance. Known as a grassroots politician, he has strong support in Kano and across several northern states. His ability to mobilise votes is seen as a major bargaining tool. For this reason, APC is expected to take his conditions seriously, especially as the ruling party will be keen on consolidating its hold ahead of the next elections.
Kwankwaso, however, made it clear that he and his movement are not desperate for a deal. He said they are open to discussions, but only as equals, not as junior partners. “We are not desperate. We are not begging anyone. We are ready to work together, but the agreement must be clear. Our people must be respected, carried along, and given their rightful place,” he stated.
The move has sparked reactions from both supporters and political watchers. Some see it as a smart strategy to protect his political base and secure benefits for his followers. Others believe it is also a way of positioning himself ahead of 2027, when he may once again contest for the presidency or play a kingmaker role.
For now, there has been no official confirmation that formal talks have started between the APC and Kwankwaso’s camp. However, his public statement suggests that negotiations may soon begin. If both sides reach a deal, it could create a powerful alliance that would be difficult for the opposition to ignore. If no agreement is reached, Kwankwaso may decide to strengthen NNPP and contest independently, though this would be a tougher battle against the two dominant parties.
The declaration also reflects the wider mood in Nigerian politics, where many politicians feel they have been used during elections but sidelined afterwards. Kwankwaso’s warning appears to capture that frustration, not only for himself but for his supporters as well. It also highlights how politicians are beginning to make demands early, instead of waiting until after elections to seek recognition.
Whether APC will agree to his conditions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kwankwaso and his movement will play an important role in shaping Nigeria’s political future. His words carry weight, especially in Kano, a state that often decides the outcome of national elections due to its large voter population.
As he concluded in his remarks: “We are ready for alliance, but on strong conditions. Nobody will use Kwankwasiyya and later throw us away.”
