By Abiola Olawale
A New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader and 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has declared his openness to rejoining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State declared that he will only join the APC if his Kwankwasiyya Movement receives what he described as an ironclad recognition and respect within the party structure.
Kwankwaso made this known in his address at his residence in Kano on Friday while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to Abdullahi Ganduje, alongside APC members from the 44 LGAs of the state.
He said: “I am willing to engage with the APC, but only under a clear agreement that guarantees full recognition of my political movement, the Kwankwasiyya.
“My movement and its people are paramount to me, and I cannot abandon them for any political arrangement.”
The former presidential candidate recalled his role in forming the APC, alleging that he and his allies suffered persecution during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“We were among the founding fathers of the APC and endured significant persecution from various security agencies while challenging the previous administration,” he said.
“Yet when the party assumed power, we received no recognition or appreciation for our sacrifices, simply because we didn’t originate from their original faction.”
Kwankwaso also faulted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for “sidelining” his group when they attempted to return, saying he was denied even a zonal chairmanship slot.
He said the experience has strengthened the resolve of his movement to remain politically independent.
“We are ready to join the APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us,” he added.
