Kwankwaso says joining APC must come with assurances on future of Kano government, supporters

Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), says any consideration to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) must come with clear assurances on the future of the Kano state government and the welfare of his supporters.

Kwankwaso spoke on Wednesday at his residence in Kano during a meeting with leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa LGAs, alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

“I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano state government before we join the APC,” he said.

“What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect?”

The former governor of Kano recalled past political experiences in which his faction contributed to forming governments but was later sidelined.

“In the past, we joined and contributed to forming the government, but later we were abandoned,” he said.

“That was why we left the party; have they now changed their position toward us? Everyone knows the role we played at that time.”

Kwankwaso said no concrete assurances have been given regarding the protection of the party’s political structure and interests.

“Up till now, no one has given me a clear assurance that we will be allowed to retain our government and continue with our political structure,” he added.

“I need to know where I stand.”

Kwankwaso had denied endorsing the rumoured defection of Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, to the APC.

Saifullahi Hassan, media aide to the former governor of Kano, described the reports as false, saying Kwankwaso remains “fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the party”.