The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has responded to ongoing speculation that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is planning to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claim as unfounded.
Speaking on Tuesday, NNPP Chairman in Kano, Hashim Sulaiman Dugunrawa, acknowledged that the rumour has been making rounds in political circles. However, he emphasized that there is no truth to the claim, stating clearly that Kwankwaso has not indicated any intention to defect to the ruling APC.
Dugunrawa said that while the party is aware of the speculation, it views the attention as evidence of Kwankwaso’s continued political relevance in Nigeria. He added that the public interest in such rumours is a reflection of the significant influence Kwankwaso maintains on the national stage.
“We are happy that people are spreading it. It only shows how politically relevant Senator Kwankwaso remains,” Dugunrawa stated during his remarks. He reiterated that Kwankwaso remains a central figure in Nigerian politics and continues to enjoy widespread public respect.
The NNPP chairman also addressed the nature of Kwankwaso’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the two political figures have known each other for many years and share a mutual history of public service. According to Dugunrawa, both men served as state governors during the same period—Tinubu in Lagos and Kwankwaso in Kano—and were later elected to the Nigerian Senate, which further solidified their political ties.
He stated, “As you will recall, they were both governors at the same time. They were also lawmakers, as well as great personalities who governed two reputable states in the country.” He added, “Therefore, they are not strangers to each other.”
Despite their longstanding acquaintance, Dugunrawa insisted that this connection should not be interpreted as an indication that Kwankwaso is planning to rejoin the APC. He explained that political friendships or mutual respect between individuals do not automatically translate into political alliances or party crossovers.
Dugunrawa also praised Kwankwaso’s reputation, describing him as a leader of integrity and focus, free from allegations of corruption or political irrelevance. He said Kwankwaso has built a legacy based on trust, accountability, and principled leadership, characteristics that continue to define his image in the public domain.
“Senator Kwankwaso, our leader, is a force to be reckoned with as far as politics is concerned. People believe and are convinced that he is neither a thief nor a fraudster nor a political deadwood, but a person highly blessed with integrity and a focused politician,” he said.
The NNPP chairman stressed that the party is not placing any significance on what he called mere speculation. He reiterated that the NNPP remains strong under Kwankwaso’s leadership and that the party views the defection rumours as a backhanded compliment, confirming the former governor’s enduring appeal and influence.
He concluded, “The plan of the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to defect is just a rumour. However, we thank God that the rumour is spreading in our favour, as it highlights Senator Kwankwaso’s popularity. Personally, I cannot base anything on mere speculation.”
As of now, there has been no official statement from Rabiu Kwankwaso himself regarding the defection speculation. Political analysts suggest that while the APC may be seeking to strengthen its ranks ahead of future elections, there is no concrete indication that Kwankwaso is willing to abandon the party he helped to build and led into the 2023 presidential race.
The NNPP has maintained that Kwankwaso remains central to its national strategy and continues to represent the party’s values and ambitions. For now, any claims of a return to the APC remain within the realm of speculation.
