A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has revealed that there is growing resistance within the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the possible return of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the party.
Jibrin made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Wednesday. He explained that although discussions about Kwankwaso’s political future are ongoing, several APC stakeholders in Kano are not comfortable with the idea of him joining the party again.
“There are a lot of people within the APC in Kano who wouldn’t want Kwankwaso to come in, especially those who have ambitions to be governor,” Jibrin said.
Kwankwaso, a former senator and ex-Minister of Defence, is a key political figure in Kano and the North West. He was previously a member of the APC but left to form the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), under which he contested the 2023 presidential election. Despite not winning, his influence remains strong, particularly in Kano, where his Kwankwasiyya movement commands a large following.
Jibrin noted that political consultations are still ongoing and that no final decision has been made regarding Kwankwaso’s return to the APC. However, he emphasized the need for political stability, both in Kano and across the country.
“I’ve tried to ensure that in the interest of Kano, and by extension, Nigeria, there is some sort of stability in our polity,” he said. “It is quite a complex process. But everyone knows that I’ve always advocated, even right from the beginning of this administration, for us to work with a government of national unity. I never stop at that.”
Kwankwaso’s possible defection has sparked debate across political circles, with some seeing it as a strategic move to strengthen APC’s position in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections. Others believe it could deepen internal divisions in the party, especially among those eyeing the governorship seat.
Kano, being a politically significant state in Nigeria due to its large voting population, has always been a battleground for major political parties. The APC, currently in control of the federal government, is keen on consolidating its grip on the state. But the internal disagreement over Kwankwaso’s possible comeback may pose a challenge.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the APC leadership can find common ground and manage the tension within its Kano chapter.
