The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed his willingness to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) but only on the condition that his political movement receives clear recognition and its benefits are well defined.
Speaking at a meeting with NNPP stakeholders in Kano, the former Kano State governor recalled his role in the formation of the APC, emphasizing that he and his allies paid the price to build the party but were sidelined throughout former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
“As one of the founders of the APC, no one can quantify the hardship and sacrifices we endured during the party’s formation,” Kwankwaso said.
“We were in the leadership then because we had more experience and a better understanding of how the federal government operates — unlike those from the ACN and CPC who had little idea what governance entailed,” he added.
He recounted how he and his supporters faced persecution during the struggle:
“We stood firm for the cause and challenged the federal government, facing all sorts of problems. Some Assembly members from Kano were even arrested and locked up in Abuja. Personally, I faced relentless attacks through the EFCC, ICPC, Police, DSS, and others — all because of our commitment to APC.
“We were the founders of APC. We led everything, from the Eagle Square to campaigns across seven states. But when the APC came to power, we were given nothing, not even a thank-you, simply because our PDP faction did not start with them.”
Kwankwaso lamented that all their struggles have been reduced to mere history: “Today, others are reaping the benefits of the sacrifices we made when men were men,” he said.
He, however, did not rule out the possibility of rejoining the APC, but insisted on clear terms.
“We are willing to join the APC if invited, but we must know what the NNPP stands to gain. What will be the position of our Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf? What about our Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and other state office holders? Their future must be guaranteed.”
Kwankwaso stressed that his decision is not out of desperation but a demand for respect and fairness.
“If you say I should return to the APC, I am ready to rejoin. I have never said I will not, but on what terms?
“When I was with the APC and PDP, they did not respect my integrity. We worked hard for them, helped them win elections, and they discarded us. We are all witnesses to this betrayal.
“Now we are settled in NNPP and not in a hurry to leave. But if there are those willing to work with us in total honesty and transparency, without repeating past mistakes, we are ready for it,” he stated.
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