The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has expressed readiness to welcome the reported defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the expelled faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), describing it as a “welcome development.”

Speaking during a press briefing in Kano on Friday, the APC state chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, said the party had embarked on a wide-reaching campaign to receive decampees from across the political spectrum as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda.

“APC as a political institution… has embarked on the project of receiving decampees from all political parties,” Abbas said.

He acknowledged the swirling speculation about Kwankwaso’s potential return to the APC, which he referred to as the senator’s “last political refuge.”

“This is a welcome development, especially given the fact that the APC remains his last political refuge, as he has successfully destroyed his relations with all other political groupings in the country.”

No Special Privileges for Returnees

While reaffirming the party’s openness to new entrants, Abbas emphasized that all returning or incoming members would be required to follow due process at the ward level, without special treatment.

“We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register,” he said, adding that all party officials will retain their roles as provided by the APC constitution.

Abbas further clarified that both old and new members would be eligible to contest for internal or elective positions, but without preferential treatment.

“Any old or new entrant shall be free to exercise his/her constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference.”

Public Apology Demanded

However, Abbas issued a stern warning to those he described as “political lepers” seeking relevance in the APC, particularly those who had previously attacked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders… to offer a public apology,” Abbas said.
“This should be done as a sign of remorse and respect for future relationships.”

He also warned against the introduction of cult-like political groupings within the party structure, emphasizing the APC’s commitment to institutional integrity and democratic norms.

“The APC does not and will not encourage or promote the existence of cult-like associations in the name of political activities or groupings.”

Background

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and a two-time presidential candidate, was a key figure in the 2023 elections under the NNPP banner. His relationship with both ruling and opposition parties has been marked by high-profile shifts, with many now speculating a potential homecoming to the APC.