Barely 24 hours after The Story published the possible appointment of the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), yhe Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed cautious openness to the potential defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), laying out specific terms under which such a move would be considered acceptable.
Speaking to journalists on Friday at the party’s state secretariat, APC State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas addressed mounting speculation surrounding Kwankwaso’s political future following internal strife and his expulsion from a faction of the NNPP.
He confirmed that the APC is ready to accommodate new entrants but made clear that their integration must align with the party’s internal rules and principles.
“APC, under its renewed hope agenda, is open to receiving defectors from all political parties,” Abbas stated.
“Recent speculations about the defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are welcome, particularly given that the APC may be his last viable political refuge after burning bridges across other political formations.
Abbas emphasized that while the party is ready to welcome new members, the integrity of APC’s existing structures and elected officials across all levels, from wards to the state, would remain intact.
The party has already instructed ward chapters to open registration for new members, regardless of their political background or stature.
However, the APC chairman issued a strong caution against opportunistic defections, warning that some individuals might be seeking to leverage the party as a shield from accountability or to revive dwindling political fortunes.
“We are aware that certain politicians, having exhausted their goodwill and become irrelevant on the national scene, now view the APC as a means to regain political relevance or evade scrutiny from anti-graft agencies like the EFCC and ICPC,” he said.
“Let it be clear, joining APC will not provide immunity from one’s past. Our party will not become a sanctuary for individuals running from justice.”
Abbas further insisted that new entrants must abide by party principles, and rejected the notion of political favoritism or cult-like groupings within APC ranks.
In a pointed remark, he called on prospective defectors, particularly those who have previously criticized APC leadership or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, to issue public apologies as a demonstration of sincerity and respect.
“Those who once made derogatory statements against our national leaders must publicly retract such comments.
“That is the minimum standard for anyone hoping to build a meaningful future within this party,” he concluded.
The development marks a potentially significant political realignment, particularly in Kano, a strategic state with deep electoral implications, as power blocs continue to shift ahead of the next election cycle.
It would be recall that The Story had earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be considering a strategic political move that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s power dynamics, as sources within the Presidency reveal that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is being considered for appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
