The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed readiness to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but only on what he described as a “strong condition.”

Kwankwaso’s declaration ends months of speculation about his political future and has heightened tension within the ruling party and the wider political space.

The former Kano State governor made the remarks on Thursday while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political aide to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who visited him alongside APC members from the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

He insisted that any talks of returning to APC or merging with it must clearly define what the NNPP stands to gain.
“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain,” he said.

Kwankwaso maintained that while the NNPP was open to discussions, it would not accept being “used and dumped.” He reminded the delegation of his role in establishing APC in 2013, saying he and his allies endured political persecution at the time.

“We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?” he asked.
“We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.”

The former defence minister also recalled his frustrations with both APC and PDP in past alliances, accusing the two parties of breaching agreements.

“Eight years of APC under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari gave us nothing, not even appreciation. In PDP, we asked for just a zonal party chairman, but they refused. We left peacefully, and today we are strong and have integrity,” he said.

His latest statement contrasts with his earlier remarks at the NNPP National Executive Council meeting, where he had pledged to remain with the party despite swirling rumours of his impending defection.

Reacting to Kwankwaso’s comments, the State Secretary of APC in Kano, Hon. Zakari Ibrahim Sarina, said the party would welcome him back if he abides by party principles.

“Kwankwaso can’t come to APC to control the party that has national spread. Remember, APC is not NNPP, which he established and controls,” Sarina said.

“We are ready to welcome Kwankwaso back to APC because his return is an added advantage to the ruling party. Another reason the party will be willing to have him is the peace and tranquillity in Kano. We need social and economic development in Kano,” he added.

The reinstated governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, resumed duty at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday and announced plans to address residents of the state by 6 p.m.

His return comes after the expiration of the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18.

Earlier on Friday, Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, accompanied by his wife, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, and other officials.

He was warmly received by former commissioners, local government chairmen, and other political leaders who gathered to welcome him.

Upon his arrival at the Government House, the governor expressed gratitude to Rivers people for their overwhelming show of support.

He said: “I know everybody wants to hear something from me. In fact, I expected it when I landed.

“Let me first of all appreciate the wonderful people of Rivers State. I am really humbled by what I saw at the Airport.

“I was thrilled by the photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me.

“It shows love, confidence and solidarity. I want to say that it is not just a celebration. It is a show of the reactivation of the bond between this government and the people of Rivers State.

“I want to assure you that we will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you people love us. I want to thank everybody and to say that we love you, but God loves you more.”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to Port Harcourt on Friday, touching down at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, just two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on the state and directed his reinstatement.

The governor’s aircraft landed at exactly 11:50 a.m.

He was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and political allies, including former Information and Communications Commissioner, Barr. Emma Okah; ex-Health Commissioner, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oji Ngofa; ex-Environment Commissioner, Sydney Gbara; and Victor Oko-Jumbo, former factional Speaker of the state assembly.

Others at the airport included former Youth Commissioner, Chisom Gbali; ex-Physical Planning Commissioner, Evans Bipi; former NUPENG President, Igwe Achese; ex-Education Commissioner, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; as well as past chairmen of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor councils, Ezebunwo Ichemati and others.

More to come…