The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that his party is open to a potential merger or alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but only under strict conditions that ensure tangible benefits for NNPP members.
Kwankwaso made this known on Thursday while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to ex-Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, along with other APC members from all 44 local government areas of Kano State. The meeting was held at Kwankwaso’s residence on Miller Road in Kano.
Addressing his guests, Kwankwaso emphasised that any decision to join the APC would be based on mutual respect, clear commitments, and guaranteed rewards for NNPP members across the country.
“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?” Kwankwaso queried.
He criticised both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for previously sidelining him and his political allies. According to him, during the eight years of APC rule under former President Muhammadu Buhari, neither he nor his loyalists received any form of recognition or benefit.
“Eight years of APC under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari gave us nothing, not even appreciation. In PDP, we asked for just a zonal party chairman, but they refused. We left peacefully and today we are strong and have integrity,” he stated.
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Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and a two-time presidential candidate, reiterated his commitment to building a strong political platform that represents the interests of the people. However, he made it clear that the NNPP would not tolerate being used as a stepping stone by any party or political figure.
“We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing speculation over political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several parties considering strategic mergers and alliances.
While Kwankwaso did not outline specific demands publicly, political observers believe that control over key positions, assurances of fair power-sharing, and formal recognition of NNPP’s national structures may be part of the conditions being considered.
The APC leadership has yet to formally respond to Kwankwaso’s comments. However, the meeting signals a potential shift in Kano State’s political dynamics, with NNPP currently holding significant influence in the region.
