Former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he has not ruled out joining the All Progressives Congress, but stressed that any such move would depend on firm and clearly defined assurances about the future of Kano State’s political leadership and the protection of his supporters.

Kwankwaso made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing party leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa at his residence in Kano. According to him, public interpretations of his position on a possible defection to the APC have been incomplete and, in some cases, misleading.

He explained that his cautious approach is shaped by past political experiences in which alliances formed by his political camp later failed to protect the interests of its members.

“I did not say I will not join the APC,” Kwankwaso told the gathering. “What we are saying is that we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government before we take such a step.”

Concerns Over Supporters and Lawmakers

At the centre of Kwankwaso’s position is the fate of his political structure, popularly known as the Kwankwasiyya movement, as well as elected officials who emerged under its platform. He questioned what would happen to lawmakers, party officials, and grassroots supporters if they were to abandon the NNPP without concrete guarantees.

“What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect?” he asked.

Kwankwaso said he remains committed to protecting the mandate given to his supporters by voters, arguing that political realignments should not come at the cost of those who worked to build and sustain the movement across Kano State.

According to him, no firm or written assurances have been presented that would safeguard the interests of Kwankwasiyya members or guarantee fair treatment within any new political arrangement.

“Without written assurances, abandoning the NNPP would be premature and risky,” he said.

Lessons From Past Political Alliances

The former governor used the meeting to reflect on earlier political partnerships, recalling instances where his camp played a decisive role in forming governments at different levels, only to be sidelined after power was secured.

Although he did not mention specific years or administrations, Kwankwaso noted that such experiences have made him wary of verbal promises and informal understandings.

Political analysts in Kano say this reference resonates strongly with his supporters, many of whom still recall previous defections that reshaped the state’s political landscape but led to internal disputes and weakened influence for some blocs.

A Kano based political analyst, speaking in general terms, said Kwankwaso’s comments suggest a desire to avoid repeating past mistakes. According to the analyst, the insistence on written guarantees signals a shift toward more formal and transparent political negotiations.

Background to the Speculation

Speculation about Kwankwaso’s potential move to the APC has intensified in recent weeks amid broader realignments within Nigeria’s opposition parties. As a former presidential candidate and one of the most influential political figures in northern Nigeria, his next move is widely seen as capable of reshaping the balance of power in Kano State and beyond.

Kwankwaso was a key figure in the formation and rise of the NNPP, which achieved a major breakthrough in the 2023 general elections by winning the Kano governorship and securing seats in the National Assembly and the state legislature. That success was largely attributed to the strength of the Kwankwasiyya grassroots network.

However, internal tensions within opposition parties and ongoing talks across party lines have fuelled rumours of possible defections, including from the NNPP to the ruling APC.

Why the Issue Matters Now

The timing of Kwankwaso’s remarks is significant. Kano State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states, with a large voter base and a history of fiercely contested elections. Any major defection involving Kwankwaso could alter alliances ahead of future polls and affect governance dynamics in the state.

For the APC, securing Kwankwaso’s support could strengthen its hold in the North West. For the NNPP, losing him could weaken its national profile and its grip on Kano politics. This explains why his insistence on clarity and guarantees is being closely watched by party leaders and political observers.

Meanwhile, his comments also reflect a broader concern within Nigerian politics about the protection of elected mandates and party structures during defections, an issue that has led to legal battles and internal crises in the past.

Commitment to Consultation and Caution

Kwankwaso reassured his supporters that no final decision would be taken unilaterally. He said any move would involve wide consultations with stakeholders across the state and beyond, and would be guided by what he described as the collective interest of the people.

He emphasised that loyalty to supporters remains a core principle of his political engagement, adding that their welfare and political future would not be sacrificed for short term gains.

According to him, clarity on governance arrangements, the status of elected officials, and the protection of party structures must come before any serious consideration of defection.

Observers say attention will now shift to whether formal negotiations emerge and whether any written assurances are offered by interested parties. The reaction of NNPP leadership, both at the state and national levels, will also be critical in determining the direction of events.

In the coming weeks, political watchers will be looking for clearer signals from Kwankwaso’s camp, including possible meetings with leaders of other parties and statements from his close allies.

Suggested Visual Elements

Editors may consider the following to complement this report:

A background profile image of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at a party meeting in Kano.

A simple chart showing the current party representation in Kano State’s House of Assembly.

A timeline highlighting key moments in Kwankwaso’s political career and party affiliations.

Kwankwaso’s latest comments underscore a careful and calculated approach to Nigeria’s fluid political landscape. While he has not closed the door on joining the APC, his message to supporters is clear. Any decision must be backed by concrete guarantees, broad consultation, and clear benefits for Kano State and those who have stood with him politically. For now, the future of his political alignment remains open, but firmly conditional.