By Uzair Adam
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has addressed the growing speculations regarding the potential defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), to the APC.
During a press conference held at the party’s state headquarters in Kano on Friday, APC State Chairman Hon. Abdullahi Abbas acknowledged that the party, under its renewed hope agenda, is actively receiving defectors from various political parties.
However, Abbas expressed concern over what he described as strategic attempts by certain political actors, particularly those with controversial pasts, to seek refuge within the APC.
“We are fully aware that some individuals are desperate to join the APC because they have squandered their political goodwill and are looking to the APC for relevance,” Abbas stated.
He stated that joining the APC should not be seen as a means to evade accountability or to escape scrutiny from anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC.
“Joining the APC is not a shield from anti-corruption scrutiny or consequences,” Abbas asserted.
The party also called on prospective defectors who have previously made derogatory statements against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to offer public apologies as a sign of remorse and respect for future relationships.
“We unequivocally call on all those prospective defectors who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders to offer a public apology,” Abbas said.
Furthermore, the APC Kano chapter reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice, and a transparent political process, urging prospective members to align with the party’s principles rather than use it as an escape route.
This development comes amid ongoing political realignments in Kano State, with both the APC and NNPP experiencing defections.
Notably, the APC has recently received former NNPP members, including ex-NNPP National Chairman Prof. Rufa’i Alkali and other chieftains, who cited the APC’s accommodating platform as a reason for their defection.