The political chessboard in Kano is heating up as former governor and NNPP presidential candidate in 2023, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, lays conditions for his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) – while his longtime rival, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, warns the party will not bend its rules for him.
Multiple sources confirmed Kwankwaso has written to APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, spelling out demands for his defection. Top among them: securing the APC governorship ticket for his ally, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in the next election and a prominent role in a future APC-led federal administration.
Kwankwaso reportedly bypassed the Kano State APC leadership, submitting his letter directly to Abuja amid his frosty relations with local party chiefs. A senior party source confirmed talks between him and the presidency are already at an advanced stage.
But Ganduje, former APC national chairman, has scoffed at the move, declaring Kwankwaso must “swallow his pride” if he wants back in. Speaking to newsmen, Ganduje said APC will not grant special privileges to any returnee, stressing that defectors must face the political consequences of their past decisions.
“Any attempt by Kwankwaso to return will be like licking his vomit”, Ganduje said, adding that: “He must accept his mistakes and follow the party’s constitution like everyone else”.
While Ganduje insists the APC in Kano is united and focused on reclaiming power in 2027, sources around Governor Yusuf suggest he is ready to follow his mentor’s lead if Kwankwaso crosses back.
For now, the ball is in the ruling party’s court – and the fate of Kano’s political realignment may hinge on whether APC is willing to meet Kwankwaso halfway or force him to eat humble pie.
