Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has clearly articulated the specific prerequisites under which he would contemplate a return to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His primary insistence is that any potential political collaboration must unequivocally respect and fully acknowledge the interests and autonomy of his influential Kwankwasiyya Movement. This critical stance was conveyed during a recent high-level stakeholder meeting held in Kano, where the former Kano State governor underscored that while he remains amenable to political discussions and negotiations, his unwavering loyalty to his vast network of supporters and the Kwankwasiyya Movement itself is fundamentally non-negotiable.

Kwankwaso explicitly stated his terms, asserting, “I am willing to engage with the APC, but only under a clear agreement that guarantees full recognition of my political movement, the Kwankwasiyya.” He further emphasized the profound importance of his loyal base, adding, “My movement and its people are paramount to me, and I cannot abandon them for any political arrangement.” This declaration highlights his commitment to safeguarding the political identity and aspirations of his followers within any future political realignment.

Reflecting on his extensive political history, the one-time Defence Minister recalled his significant role as one of the founding architects of the APC. He expressed profound disappointment regarding the treatment he and his allies received during the party’s eight-year tenure under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Kwankwaso recounted enduring substantial persecution from various security agencies while actively challenging the previous government, only to be overlooked upon the APC’s ascension to power. “We were among the founding fathers of the APC and endured significant persecution from various security agencies while challenging the previous administration,” he lamented. “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.”

His grievances extended beyond the APC. Kwankwaso also sharply criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for similar perceived mistreatment when his political group sought to return to its fold. He noted that his faction was denied even a zonal party chairman position, an experience that, according to him, has only solidified the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s resolve to maintain its political independence and pursue its objectives autonomously. This sequence of past interactions has evidently shaped his cautious approach to inter-party affiliations.

The two-time presidential candidate underscored that his political structure has matured into a formidable and undeniable force within Nigerian politics, emphasizing that its significance cannot be understated or ignored. He affirmed the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s contentment within the NNPP, indicating that they are not desperate to seek an exit from their current political home. Nonetheless, he reiterated a crucial openness: “However, we remain open to genuine partnerships with any party willing to honor agreement and treat us as equal partners.” Kwankwaso concluded by asserting that even if the opposition PDP were to approach him, acknowledging its past mistakes, any prospective collaboration would necessitate transparent and publicly visible commitments to ensure mutual accountability and trust moving forward.