By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
President Bola Tinubu is reportedly working on restructuring the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) to accommodate former Kano State governor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, in the party once again.
Sources within the APC suggest that the recent appointment of Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s national chairman, as the new board chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is the first move in a series of changes that Tinubu plans to make.
The strategy includes appointing key NWC members to various government positions, which will create space for a revamped leadership team.It’s expected that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will soon be held to finalize these adjustments.
The chairmanship position is likely to be filled by a leader from the North-Central zone, though the specific state has yet to be revealed.
“Most of the current NWC members will be exiting, as the president prepares to implement changes. The NEC meeting will likely happen soon, but the president is prioritizing appointments first,” an insider disclosed.
Previously, Kwankwaso’s attempt to return to the APC was blocked by Ganduje, his long-time political rival. However, with Ganduje set to exit the position of national chairman, it’s expected that Kwankwaso may rejoin the APC if he still wishes to do so.
As one source explained, “Before, Ganduje’s leadership was the barrier, but with his exit, Kwankwaso could come back into the fold. Ganduje’s dominance and control over the APC leadership were factors that made it difficult for Kwankwaso to return.”
Alongside Kwankwaso, reports suggest that political shifts may also see Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, a former APC member, returning to the party.
However, this move is causing friction among APC leaders in Osun, creating a tense atmosphere within the state’s political circle.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to reconcile the bitter rivalry between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, with prominent figures like Murtala Sule Garo, Baffa Babba ƊanAgundi, and AbdulMumin Jibrin playing pivotal roles in the mediation process.
This long-standing feud has been a source of concern for residents of Kano, with many feeling that it has hindered the state’s growth.
Ganduje, who once served as Kwankwaso’s deputy governor, became the APC National Chairman in August 2023, though reports indicate he has been unhappy with the potential changes being brought by Tinubu.
As these developments unfold, political realignments within the APC seem imminent, particularly with an eye on the 2027 general election