In Nigeria’s ever-evolving political atmosphere, alliances and defections frequently reshape the national conversation. The latest discussions involve Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the influential national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and his potential return to the All Progressives Congress (APC). At a major stakeholder meeting in Kano, Kwankwaso opened up about the strict terms under which he would consider such a move, stressing that the interests of his grassroots base—famously known as the Kwankwasiyya Movement—remain his central priority.
Addressing hundreds of party loyalists and reporters, the former governor of Kano State made it clear that his political journey and any alliance proposals would only proceed if they fully respected his supporters. “I am open to political discussions with the APC,” he asserted. “But any agreement must offer full recognition and integration for my movement, the Kwankwasiyya.”
He explained, “My supporters and the principles we uphold are non-negotiable. I cannot sacrifice their interests for political office or convenience.” This sentiment was echoed by members of his inner circle, who told reporters that the Kwankwasiyya Movement, known for its symbolic red caps and mass mobilization, has fundamentally shaped politics in Kano and beyond, especially since 2011.
Kwankwaso’s influence stems not just from his leadership positions, but also from his historical role in establishing the APC back in 2013. As a founding member, he faced “serious persecution from security agencies” while opposing the administration that preceded the APC’s rise to power, according to Kwankwaso’s account at the event. “We faced intense political adversity, not because we were opposed to the APC vision, but because we championed it from outside the dominant group that eventually took control,” he noted, referencing the party’s eventual consolidation under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Despite their sacrifices and risk, Kwankwaso said, he and his allies were met with neglect once the party assumed power.
“For eight years, there was no official recognition or appreciation for what we contributed to the APC’s victory, largely because we were not from the ‘original’ power bloc of the party,” he said, echoing complaints that have long been discussed among political observers in Abuja and northern states.
According to local political analyst Ibrahim Danjuma, this experience is not unique to Kwankwaso. “Power struggles and marginalization have been features of party politics in Nigeria for decades. Grassroots structures like Kwankwasiyya give politicians leverage, but also make alliances complex,” Danjuma explained in an interview on Channels TV (aired June 2024).
Kwankwaso’s wariness extends to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He recounted a difficult episode when his group attempted to return to the PDP, only to find themselves sidelined. “Even a zonal party chairman position was out of reach,” he alleged, prompting his movement to double down on political independence rather than being “tolerated” by other power blocs.
In further commentary, Dr. Kwankwaso stated, “Our experiences have only made us stronger. Kwankwasiyya today is a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics. We are comfortable where we are [in NNPP] and do not seek to move, unless a new partnership treats us as genuine equals.”
Through two runs for Nigeria’s presidency, Kwankwaso has kept his base energised—notably in the North-West—turning the NNPP into a competitive party in states like Kano. Analysts point out that Kwankwaso’s insistence on genuine partnerships and transparent negotiations reflects the wider atmosphere of mistrust in Nigerian party politics, where backdoor deals and shifting allegiances are common.
Chinyere Okeke, a political correspondent for a leading Abuja daily, observed, “Many politicians believe that without visible, written agreements, promises can be easily broken. Kwankwaso’s stance is part of a broader push for transparency and accountability in Nigerian alliances—which is something voters, especially youths, now demand.”
Kwankwaso concluded his remarks by underlining that while overtures from the PDP or APC would be considered, any alliance must begin with a public acknowledgement of past shortcomings and mistake—alongside ironclad, transparent commitments. “Any future cooperation must involve publicly verifiable agreements to safeguard accountability,” he stressed, a position likely to resonate with politicians and citizens wary of broken promises.
This emphasis on accountability is notable in today’s Nigeria, where coalition politics often falter due to unmet expectations or secret power-sharing deals. Experts like Prof. Suleiman Musa of the University of Abuja note that clear, enforceable pacts are the only way to foster trust in Nigeria’s competitive political system. “Failure to deliver on such agreements not only damages parties internally but leads to public disillusionment. The only way forward is openness and treating all partners as equals,” Musa told NowaHalaZone reporters.
Across West Africa, the dynamics of party-building, alliances, and factionalism are not unique to Nigeria. From Ghana to Senegal, reformist leaders have learned the hard way that neglecting grassroots movements undermines long-term political stability. Nigerian voters and civil society activists are increasingly vocal, demanding that all alliances honor the principles and people on whose backs parties build power.
In Kano, market women, youth leaders, and local councilors interviewed by this newsroom said they would support Kwankwaso’s decisions as long as he remains loyal to the Kwankwasiyya program, which they view as one that empowers ordinary citizens and ensures fairer representation. “We feel seen and heard within this movement,” explained Hajiya Zahra Adamu, spokesperson for a Kano women’s association. “As long as that does not change, we are with him.”
Whether or not Dr. Kwankwaso reconciles with old political partners remains to be seen. What is clear is that Nigerians are watching with keen interest, aware that the outcome could shift the balance of power—especially ahead of critical elections. Political parties will need to decide: will they recognize and include powerful grassroots factions, or risk losing vital constituencies to rivals?
What are your thoughts on the ongoing realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape? Should politicians like Kwankwaso demand written guarantees before joining alliances, or is trust enough in party politics? Drop a comment below and follow us for the latest on Nigerian politics and beyond!
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