The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed readiness to receive Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and other defectors—but not without conditions.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the party’s secretariat on Friday, State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, confirmed that the party has been alerted to growing speculations surrounding Kwankwaso’s possible defection to the APC.
Abbas noted that the party has instructed its ward chapters to open registers for new members, including high-profile political figures, in accordance with the party’s constitution.
“As part of our Renewed Hope Agenda, the APC is open to welcoming new entrants from all political affiliations,” Abbas stated. “We’ve received reports about Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s potential move to join our party. While this is not unexpected, we see it as a logical step, considering the APC now stands as his last viable political home after burning bridges with virtually every other political group.”
The party, however, emphasized that new entrants will not receive any special privileges and must follow standard registration processes at their respective ward levels.
“All new and returning members must adhere strictly to party guidelines. We also wish to affirm that current elected party officials—across all levels—will continue to hold their positions until their tenures expire as stipulated in our constitution,” Abbas added.
In a strong caution to politically embattled figures, Abbas warned that defection to the APC should not be mistaken for immunity.
“Let it be clear: seeking shelter in our party will not shield anyone from accountability, especially regarding past corrupt practices. The APC does not, and will never, serve as a haven for individuals evading justice from institutions such as the EFCC or ICPC,” he declared.
The APC also called for public apologies from those who previously made derogatory remarks against the party’s leadership.
“We insist that any prospective decampee who has previously insulted our leaders—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima—must tender a public apology as a sign of good faith and respect for future collaboration,” Abbas concluded.
