A new political storm is brewing between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) over claims that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, NNPP’s national leader, is plotting a return to the ruling APC.
The controversy was sparked by APC National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who declared the NNPP “dead” and claimed Kwankwaso was already taking steps to rejoin the APC.
Speaking at the APC national secretariat 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.”
His comments drew swift backlash from NNPP leaders who described the statements as false, provocative, and rooted in fear of Kwankwaso’s growing political strength.
NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed the claim as “panic-driven,” stating that Kwankwaso remained fully committed to the NNPP’s vision and was focused on building the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Osun State, NNPP Chairman Dr. Tosin Odeyemi echoed the sentiment, calling Ganduje’s comments “desperate distractions” and insisting Kwankwaso would not associate with a party “responsible for the country’s economic woes.”
Meanwhile, cracks are also visible within the APC, particularly in Kano State, where party spokesman Ahmed S. Aruwa labelled Kwankwaso a “political liability.” He accused the former governor of destroying every party he joins and warned that any talk of his return must start with reconciling with Ganduje.
While both camps continue to trade barbs, Kwankwaso has remained silent, fueling further speculation about his next political move — whether he’ll hold firm with the NNPP or stage yet another return to familiar territory in the APC.
