Kwankwaso Not in Talks to Join APC – Kwankwasiyya.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline
February 3, 2026.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has firmly dismissed reports alleging that its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, engaged in negotiations to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claims as false, speculative, and deliberately misleading.
The rebuttal follows widespread media reports and televised commentaries suggesting that purported talks between Kwankwaso and the APC collapsed over what were described as “excessive demands,” allegedly after Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defected to the ruling party. The Movement said the narrative was entirely fabricated and designed to confuse the public.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Movement’s spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, Kwankwasiyya categorically denied that Senator Kwankwaso had ever held discussions, meetings, or negotiations with the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or any intermediaries on the subject of defection.
“We state clearly, categorically, and without ambiguity that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has never engaged in negotiations, discussions, or meetings with the APC for defection. These claims are entirely false and baseless,” the statement read.
According to the Movement, the reports not only lack factual basis but also reflect a worrying trend of unverified political speculation being presented as established truth. It warned that such narratives, if left unchecked, could mislead Nigerians and unfairly tarnish the reputation of political actors.
Kwankwasiyya further clarified that the last formal engagement between Senator Kwankwaso and President Tinubu took place in January 2024, stressing that the meeting was neither secretive nor political in the sense being suggested. The statement emphasized that issues of defection, political bargaining, or party realignment were not discussed at the meeting.
“Claims that Senator Kwankwaso made high demands or overreached himself are fabrications built on imaginary negotiations that never occurred,” the Movement said.
Providing broader context, the group noted that Kwankwaso’s interactions with leaders across party lines are consistent with democratic norms and should not be misinterpreted as evidence of political compromise or defection. It argued that dialogue among political leaders remains a healthy feature of democracy and does not automatically translate into partisan deals.
The Movement also alleged that the reports formed part of a coordinated attempt by political opponents to weaken Kwankwaso’s standing ahead of future political realignments and electoral contests.
According to the statement, such tactics are aimed at sowing doubt among supporters and projecting an image of internal uncertainty where none exists.
Reaffirming its ideological position, Kwankwasiyya described Senator Kwankwaso as “a politician of discipline and principle whose strength comes from the masses rather than elite consensus.” It added that the Movement remains focused on its longstanding agenda of people-oriented politics, social justice, and inclusive governance.
Urging Nigerians to exercise caution and rely on verified information, the Movement concluded by restating its position in unmistakable terms: “There were no negotiations. There were no demands. There was no discussion of defection.”
The statement underscores Kwankwaso’s continued alignment with the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and signals that, despite persistent rumors, no change in his political direction is under consideration.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 3RD 2026)
