By Ismaeel Aleem
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has stated that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso could rejoin the APC, but only if he adheres strictly to the party’s constitutional rules.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, Ganduje emphasised that the APC would not offer special treatment to returning members, adding that politicians who previously left must face the consequences of their decisions.
In 2011, Kwankwaso was re-elected governor of Kano state and went on to join the APC in 2014. In 2015, Kwankwaso unsuccessfully contested the presidential primaries nomination under the opposition of the APC but lost to Muhammadu Buhari.
Recent reports suggested that the former Kano governor, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), had approached APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, regarding a potential defection. Kwankwaso swiftly dismissed these claims as baseless.
Ganduje, responding to the speculation, remarked that any attempt by Kwankwaso to return would be akin to “licking his vomit,” implying he must acknowledge past errors to seek re-entry into the APC.
Ganduje also addressed the state of the APC in Kano, confirming that internal divisions have been resolved.
He noted that a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja reviewed the party’s performance in the 2023 elections and praised President Tinubu’s leadership.
Dismissing rumours of a rift with Tinubu, Ganduje affirmed their strong relationship and expressed confidence in the APC’s determination to reclaim Kano in the 2027 elections.
