Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has stated that any plan to join the All Progressives Congress must include firm commitments on the future of the Kano State government and the wellbeing of his political supporters.
The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party made this known on Wednesday during a meeting with party leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa local government areas at his residence in Kano. Members of the Kwankwasiyya movement also attended the gathering.
“I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano state government before we join the APC,” he said.
He added, “What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect?”
Kwankwaso referred to previous political experiences in which his group supported the formation of a government but later lost influence within the party.
“In the past, we joined and contributed to forming the government, but later we were abandoned,” he said.
“That was why we left the party; have they now changed their position toward us? Everyone knows the role we played at that time.”
He stated that there are no definite commitments regarding the protection of the party’s political base and organisational structure.
“Up till now, no one has given me a clear assurance that we will be allowed to retain our government and continue with our political structure,” he added.
“I need to know where I stand.”
Kwankwaso also dismissed claims that he approved the reported defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to the APC.
Saifullahi Hassan, his media aide, described the reports as false and stated that Kwankwaso remains “fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the party”.
