Tension Rises in Kano APC as Majority of Party Members Reject Kwankwaso’s Return
Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
Northern Bureau Chief
May 9, 2025
— A storm of confusion and discontent is currently brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, as reports indicate that over 95% of the party’s members vehemently oppose the alleged plans to welcome former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, back into the party.
Despite efforts by the national leadership of the APC, particularly the National Chairman and former Kano Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to smooth over the situation, insiders reveal a deepening rift within party ranks. The disagreement has sparked tension that could potentially erupt into open confrontation, especially at the party’s state secretariat.
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According to political analysts, the planned return of Kwankwaso—once a formidable force in Kano politics and leader of the now dwindling Kwankwasiyya Movement—has been met with significant resistance from grassroots members. Many believe his political influence has waned considerably, describing him as “no longer attractive” and on the brink of political irrelevance.
“Kwankwaso is not being invited to join the APC; he is forcing himself into it because his movement is collapsing,” said a top APC stakeholder in Kano who requested anonymity. “People across the board—politicians, business people, Islamic scholars, women groups, and the youth—have all rejected his comeback.”
Dr. Ganduje, while attempting to downplay the uproar, was quoted saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” hinting at Kwankwaso’s desperation to realign politically due to his declining influence and strained political standing. However, this statement has done little to calm party loyalists, many of whom view the move as an imposition and betrayal of the party’s existing structure and discipline.
There is also a growing perception among APC members that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be quietly backing Kwankwaso’s return, which further fuels internal suspicions and resistance. Some APC members warn that any attempt to accommodate Kwankwaso could have disastrous consequences for the party’s unity and its prospects in 2027.
“We are loyal to Mr. President, but bringing Kwankwaso into APC is a red line. The people of Kano are politically aware, and they will not support anyone trying to revive a politically expired figure,” said a local party youth leader.
An independent investigation into grassroots opinions confirms this sentiment, revealing that party structures across wards and local governments in Kano have passed internal resolutions rejecting Kwankwaso’s return. They argue that his re-entry could reignite old rivalries and destabilize the delicate balance the party has maintained in the state.
As things stand, Kano APC is walking a tightrope, caught between national strategic calculations and local political realities. Whether the party can navigate this internal storm without fractures remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: welcoming Kwankwaso back into the fold will not be a smooth process—and may, in fact, be a costly political gamble.
Kano State is currently sitting on a political powder keg, as tension brews within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over reports that former governor and one-time presidential aspirant, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be making a return to the ruling party. The development has sparked serious controversy, with more than 95% of APC members in the state said to be strongly opposed to his defection.
According to party insiders, there is deep discontent within the Kano APC ranks, especially among local stakeholders, elders, and grassroots supporters, who see Kwankwaso’s planned return as a betrayal of the party’s internal democratic structure. Many fear his comeback could destabilize the fragile unity of the party in the state.
However, this has not gone down well with the rank-and-file of the party. Political analysts in Kano insist that Kwankwaso is a diminishing political force, warning that his return could do more harm than good to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. A respected commentator noted, “Kwankwaso is no longer the political giant he once was. His base has eroded. Trying to force him into the APC will not only demoralize loyal members but may fracture the party’s structure in Kano entirely.”
Investigations reveal that there are fears the APC secretariat in Kano could become the flashpoint of open protest if Kwankwaso is formally re-admitted into the party. The situation is so sensitive that security agencies have reportedly been alerted to possible demonstrations in the coming days.
Local sentiments also show a widespread rejection of Kwankwaso’s return by key demographics in Kano—business leaders, educational stakeholders, market associations, women’s groups, and religious scholars (ulama) alike. These groups have voiced strong disapproval, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from endorsing the move, warning that it could cost him significant political capital in Kano by 2027.
A senior APC member in the state, who preferred anonymity, stated, “This is not just about party politics. This is about principle. We have moved past the era of Kwankwaso. Allowing him back is like trying to revive a dead horse. Kano APC will resist this to the very end.”
There are growing fears that unless the national leadership of the APC acts swiftly and wisely, the party could suffer serious internal divisions that would damage its cohesion and electoral prospects in northern Nigeria. Many observers believe that for the APC to maintain its dominance in Kano, it must listen to its grassroots and avoid unpopular political gambles.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on President Tinubu and Ganduje. Will they risk party unity to accommodate a fading political figure—or will they heed the overwhelming opposition from Kano APC faithful?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Kano APC is on the brink of a storm.
Wrote by Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu Northern Bureau Chief, Democracy Newsline Newspapers 08060017934
