Kwankwaso

By Abdurrahman Musa

As political fireworks ignite across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, one looming move threatens to shake the very foundations of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC): the speculated defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—former Kano State Governor and NNPP national leader.

To some within the APC ranks, welcoming Kwankwaso appears to be a masterstroke, but others are warning because, his entry could ignite a political inferno that burns the APC’s fragile peace in Kano, upends Tinubu’s re-election ambitions, and hands the opposition [which he might later join] a golden ticket to power.

Here is why:

Kano could explode as a factional earthquake looms

It is a known fact that Kwankwaso is no ordinary politician. He is a master strategist who always thinks for himself and what would favour him. Therefore, for him to join the APC, people should know that he will not just come with followers—he commands a powerful political cult – the fiery Kwankwasiyya movement that stands in direct confrontation with the Ganduje-led APC structure in Kano. Welcoming him is like inviting a hurricane into a house of cards. The party risks a full-blown internal war, splintering into rival factions, parallel commands, and electoral sabotage that could spell doom in 2027. APC’s strength in the North’s largest voting bloc may shatter into chaos.

Collapsing NNPP could be the PDP’s resurrection.

They said politics is a game of chess. When you think in a rush and make a wrong move, you woefully lose the game. Here’s the twist: dissolving the NNPP doesn’t automatically benefit the APC. In fact, it might just revive the PDP from the political coma. Kwankwaso’s defection could enrage his loyal base, pushing them straight into the waiting arms of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the PDP.

Mr President, do you remember 2023? The fragmented opposition in the North gifted Tinubu an edge. Destroy that balance and the pendulum swings possibly against you. Therefore, a fractured NNPP doesn’t guarantee APC victory—it may instead restore Atiku’s Northern stronghold.

A clash of presidential titans between President Tinubu vs. Senator Kwankwaso

Let us be honest—Kwankwaso isn’t joining to play a backup singer. His presidential ambition is loud, clear, and relentless. He might demand a Tinubu-Kwankwaso 2027 ticket or insist on a powerful stake in the party. If denied, he could turn against the APC from within—just like in 2019, when he was accused of deliberately undermining Atiku’s campaign in Kano while funneling resources into his gubernatorial candidate. If welcomed, Kwankwaso could shake the APC from the inside. If sidelined, he could sabotage it. History could repeat itself – this time inside the APC.

Kano youths might revolt against you

History has shown that youths are the vanguard of Kano politics. They are the ones that win you election. Currently, the streets of Kano pulse with the energy of Kwankwasiyya youth. Integrating them into the APC is not a handshake—it’s a negotiation with a volatile base. Mismanage it, and the backlash could be swift: boycotts, protests, or backing a rival candidate. The APC risks alienating the very people who once delivered it millions of votes. One misstep, the youth quake could be catastrophic.

Ganduje is the pillar—don’t shake it

In my own opinion, instead of importing instability, the APC should solidify Ganduje’s party leadership and Kano political camp. It guarantees a winning formula. Furthermore, consolidate strategic allies like Senator Barau Jibrin from Kano North and Senator Kawu Sumaila from Kano South, this offers a more convincing future and gradually win over NNPP supporters. With this, APC can present a united, formidable front—without the drama.

The ball is in your court, Mr President

Mr President, the choice is yours—so are the consequences This is no time for political gambling. The illusion of short-term gains from the Kwankwaso’s defection may cost you the presidency itself. The NNPP’s demise must not become PDP’s rebirth. The APC must learn from the PDP’s collapse—a tale of chaotic mergers and unchecked egos, in which Kwankwaso played a starring role. The hunger for Kwankwaso’s two million Kano votes is strong—but deceptive. It’s a honey trap. What looks like a prize could become a poison pill that wrecks the APC from within and opens the floodgates for a PDP resurgence.

Mr President, it’s your turn: “Emilokan“. But only if you don’t blow it. Listen to Kano. Consult the real stakeholders. Do not gamble away your second chance on a political wild card with a history of wrecking alliances from within. This is not just a political move—it’s a potential crisis in the making. Mr President don’t repeat PDP’s mistake. The voice of reason is calling. Will you listen?

Abdurrahman Musa writes from Kano. He’s a political analyst and APC stakeholder.

By Uzair Adam

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting in Abuja with Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila and House of Representatives members Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Aliyu Sani Madaki — all currently of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

According to a post by Aminu Dahiru, the Senior Special Assistant to the APC National Chairman on Visual Communication & Events, the meeting was confirmed via his verified social media handle.

It was gathered that the meeting is part of ongoing preparations for the lawmakers’ anticipated defection from the NNPP to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition lawmakers have had a long-standing disagreement with the leader of the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

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

By Uzair Adam

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has hailed the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as a symbol of loyalty and compassionate leadership.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, expressed his admiration in a statement celebrating Governor Yusuf’s 62nd birthday.

“The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has proven himself as an effective leader, from his early days as my aide to his role as commissioner and now as the Chief Executive Officer of our state,” Kwankwaso remarked.

He commended Yusuf for his remarkable achievements within 19 months in office, highlighting transformative initiatives across various sectors in Kano.

“I am particularly impressed by his empathy for the people, his attentiveness to their needs, and his commitment to decisions that enhance the lives of Kanawa,” he said.

Kwankwaso further described the governor as a figure who has positively impacted Kano through his decades of service.

“In his 62 years, Governor Abba has set a standard as an icon of loyalty and compassionate leadership.

“May Allah grant him more grace, strength, and wisdom to continue serving his people. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

A legal dispute has emerged involving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over a contentious land allocation in Kwankwasiyya City, Kano.

The case, filed by Garba Musa Kwankwaso, centers on a vast expanse of land initially allocated to WAECO Nigeria Limited during the administration of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Court documents reveal that the defendants include the state commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), the Attorney General of Kano State, and others.

Garba Kwankwaso seeks an interlocutory injunction to prevent the governor and other parties from taking any action deemed adverse to his interests in the land.

The land dispute traces back to a 2017 investigation by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, which revealed that WAECO, the company allocated the land, was not a legal entity at the time of allocation.

The commission found that the company was actually “Water and Agricultural Engineering Company Limited,” in which Rabiu Kwankwaso and his brother were directors.

Based on this finding, the commission recommended the revocation of the allocation, leading to subsequent reallocation by the administration of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

During Ganduje’s tenure, portions of the land were allocated to Mallam Kato Square and other original owners, including the Dantata family.

However, sources allege that Governor Yusuf has resisted revoking the land and returning it to WAECO Nigeria Limited, and that prompted Garba Kwankwaso to take legal action.

In an application filed at the Kano High Court, Garba Kwankwaso sought an order to restrain the defendants from entering, demarcating, or allocating the disputed land, pending the outcome of the substantive suit.

Justice Usman Na’abba granted the order on November 13 and adjourned the case until November 27 for further hearing.

The case sheds light on the ongoing complexities of land allocation and revocation in Kano State, raising questions about governance and legal accountability.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has dismissed rumors of tension with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, asserting his unwavering loyalty and respect for the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, Yusuf addressed speculations suggesting that Kwankwaso exerts excessive influence over his administration. The governor noted that their 40-year relationship remains strong, refuting claims of a rift or of being controlled by Kwankwaso.

Rumors within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) allege that Kwankwaso has considerable sway in the state’s leadership, with some suggesting he effectively runs a “third term by proxy.”

Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, a House of Representatives member for Dala Federal Constituency who recently distanced himself from Kwankwaso, attributed the tension to disagreements over a drug contract and a state-funded scholarship program.

Yusuf, however, brushed aside these allegations, highlighting his independence and underscoring his loyalty to Kwankwaso.

“In my 40 years of knowing him, we have never had a rift,” Yusuf affirmed, adding, “The idea that I am somehow chained by Kwankwaso is simply unfair.”A faction within the NNPP known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”) has been urging Yusuf to make decisions autonomously from Kwankwaso’s influence.

The movement has gained traction, with party members and political figures calling for Yusuf’s independence.In response, Yusuf labeled the calls for autonomy as disrespectful to his loyalty.

“This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor. It suggests that I should repay good with bad,” he remarked, reaffirming his gratitude for Kwankwaso’s long-standing support.

The NNPP’s state leadership recently suspended Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and Commissioner of Transportation Muhammad Diggol, accusing them of disloyalty and alleged involvement in the independence movement.

Both officials denied the allegations and are currently under investigation.

Two House of Representatives members, Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini and Alhassan Rurum, have also publicly exited the Kwankwasiyya movement, urging Yusuf to assert his independence.

Addressing these defections, Yusuf reiterated the significant role Kwankwaso has played in his career and denounced those who seek to undermine their relationship.Yusuf also voiced frustration with the media’s portrayal of the situation, describing reports of Kwankwaso frequently contacting him as unfounded.

“They said Kwankwaso called me over 30 times, and I didn’t answer. Where did they get this from?” Yusuf questioned. “If not for my respect for journalists, I would have taken the person who wrote that to court,” he added.

The governor concluded by appealing to supporters to avoid divisive slogans, and reiterated his commitment to respecting elders and rejecting any rhetoric that encourages division.

By Uzair Adam

The crisis within Kano’s ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has intensified as Governor Abba Yusuf reportedly distances himself from party leader and political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to some reports, the governor has allegedly ignored Kwankwaso’s calls and skipped meetings, indicating a potential split.

Supporters of Yusuf have launched the slogan “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba, stand on your feet), encouraging him to govern independently.

The Daily Reality learned that this internal rift stems partly from Kwankwaso’s alleged control over local government appointments without the governor’s input, leading Yusuf to eventually dismiss Kwankwaso-appointed caretaker chairmen in September.

Kwankwaso’s influence over the party has also faced challenges in court; recently, an Abia State High Court recognized Boniface Aniebonam as the party’s leader.

Some high-ranking NNPP officials, including State Secretary Baffa Bichi and several Kano lawmakers, reportedly support Yusuf’s autonomy and may be exploring alliances with the ruling APC.

The movement has gained traction, with some party members openly pledging loyalty to Yusuf and distancing themselves from Kwankwasiyya, Kwankwaso’s political movement.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has voiced strong criticism against the stringent bail conditions imposed on minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, Kwankwaso expressed shock at the arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force at a court in Abuja, describing the move as a violation of basic human rights and dignity.

He highlighted the minors’ apparent malnutrition and urgent need for medical care, arguing that these children should be attending school rather than facing legal proceedings.

Kwankwaso criticized the “cruel experience” these young protesters were subjected to, adding that the imposed bail conditions, which reportedly require a sum of 10 million naira and a grade 15 civil servant as surety, are “absurd” for teenagers.

He called on the government to redirect its efforts toward tackling critical issues such as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and economic instability, rather than prosecuting minors.

Kwankwaso also referenced the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, stressing its mandate to protect children from all forms of physical, mental, and emotional harm.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticized the Federal Government for assigning the distribution of rice palliatives in Kano to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, rather than the state government.

Speaking in Kano, Kwankwaso expressed his disappointment, describing the move as a breach of constitutional democracy and an act of excessive partisanship.

“For the past week, I have been in Kano, and I observed with great disappointment the Federal Government’s distribution of rice palliatives to 35 states through their governors, except in Kano.

“Here, the responsibility was handed over to APC members. This is a gross insult to our constitutional democracy and a step too far in partisanship,” Kwankwaso stated.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately address what he called a “derailment of democracy.”

Kwankwaso also raised concerns about the frequent changes in the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, noting that three State Directors had been posted and reposted in just two weeks.

He warned that the instability was having a negative impact on the state’s security.

By Uzair Adam  

The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed optimism about winning the 2027 presidential election.  

Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, made this assertion on Saturday during the inauguration of the NNPP Secretariat located along IBB Way, Katsina. 

Kwankwaso was in Katsina for a condolence visit to the Yar’adua family following the passing of their matriarch, Hajiya Dada.  

During his remarks, he stated that the NNPP is positioned to secure victory in the 2027 general elections, taking over the presidency and other key political positions across the country. 

According to him, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has lost relevance, prompting his departure from the party.  

He urged Nigerians, particularly women and youths, to avoid being swayed by superficial incentives like food or money in the upcoming elections. 

Kwankwaso called on party leaders to intensify their efforts to ensure the success of the NNPP at both the state and national levels.  

He also commended the stakeholders in the state for renovating the party’s secretariat, describing it as a vital step in the party’s preparations for the future. 

In addition, Kwankwaso pledged support for a young boy, Abubakar Ibrahim from Yammawa, who suffers from severe acute malnutrition. 

NNPP’s state chairman, Alhaji Armaya’u Abdulkadir, highlighted the importance of enlightening voters about the party’s new logo, which reiterated education for all, a core value of the Kwankwasiyya movement. 

He stressed the need for grassroots sensitisation to inform members of the significance of the new symbol.