National leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the only condition on which he would join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is if his Kwankwasiyya movement is fully recognised.
Kwankwaso said this on Friday at his residence in Kano, while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to Abdullahi Ganduje, alongside APC members from the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
There have been rumours that Kwankwaso could join the APC. It initially started as the former Kano governor replacing Vice President, Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
“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 said.
“My movement and its people are paramount to me, and I cannot abandon them for any political arrangement.”
The 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP 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 APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us,” he added.
The NNPP leader said his political structure has become a formidable force that cannot be ignored, noting that he and his followers are not desperate to leave the party.
“However, we remain open to genuine partnerships with any party willing to honour the agreement and treat us as equal partners,” he said.
