A political showdown is brewing between the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over claims that NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is planning a return to the APC.
The controversy was sparked by remarks from APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who declared that the NNPP was effectively “dead” and hinted that Kwankwaso was on his way back to the ruling party.
Speaking while receiving members of the Tinubu Support Group in Abuja, Ganduje boasted, “The coffin has already been constructed. What remains now is to dig the grave. Kwankwaso wants to come back, and we will welcome him.”
But the NNPP has fired back, strongly denying any such move and accusing Ganduje of attempting to stir political confusion.
Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, dismissed Ganduje’s statements as “uninformed and desperate.” According to him, Kwankwaso is focused on building the NNPP and consulting with stakeholders nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has no plans to return to the APC. He is committed to repositioning the NNPP as a credible alternative to the current administration,” Johnson said. “Ganduje is clearly rattled by Kwankwaso’s political relevance.”
In a similar vein, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, Chairman of the NNPP in Osun State, condemned the APC chairman's remarks, saying they reflect the ruling party’s anxiety and internal disarray.
“Rather than boasting, Ganduje should focus on how the APC intends to rescue Nigerians from the economic hardship and insecurity it has created,” Odeyemi stated. “Kwankwaso is a visionary leader who will not be part of a failing system.”
Meanwhile, the APC in Kano has taken a different tone, dismissing the idea of Kwankwaso’s return as unwelcome. Ahmed S. Aruwa, the party’s Public Relations Officer in the state, called Kwankwaso a “serial defector” and a threat to party unity.
“Kwankwaso has a history of destroying parties he joins. He destabilized the PDP and now the NNPP. We built the APC from scratch and won’t allow him to hijack it,” Aruwa said. “His sudden interest in the APC is just a strategy for 2031. But he must reconcile with Ganduje first before any conversation can begin.”
While the war of words continues, Kwankwaso has yet to issue a public statement on the matter, leaving the political space abuzz with speculation over his next move.
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