By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has expressed willingness to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC), but with certain conditions.
Speaking at his Kano residence, Kwankwaso emphasized the need for any political alliance to prioritize the interests of his party and movement. He said, “We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.” He recalled the party’s founding and the struggles they faced, saying that despite their contributions, they were sidelined when the party gained power. He said, “We were among the founding fathers of the APC and endured significant persecution from various security agencies while challenging the previous administration. Yet when the party assumed power, we received no recognition or appreciation for our sacrifices, simply because we didn’t originate from their original faction.”
Kwankwaso’s conditions for rejoining the APC include:
1. A clear agreement that protects and respects the interests of the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya movement.
2. Respect for the NNPP’s gubernatorial candidates, senatorial candidates, and party structures nationwide.
While the NNPP is open to alliances, Kwankwaso said that they are not in a hurry to leave the party and are currently enjoying peace of mind. However, if the APC or any other party is willing to make strong promises and respect their interests, they are open to negotiations. He said, “We are not in a hurry to leave the NNPP; we are enjoying and have peace of mind. But if some want a political alliance that would not disappoint us like in the past. We are open to an alliance. Even if it is the PDP that realised their mistakes, let’s enter an agreement that will be made public.”
