Ganduje Sets Terms for Kwankwaso’s APC Return, Demands Compliance with Party Structure

The political landscape is buzzing following a definitive statement from Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), outlining what his long-time political rival, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, must do before rejoining the ruling party.

Amid intense speculation that Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and its 2023 Presidential Candidate, is negotiating a return to the APC fold, Ganduje has insisted that the former Kano Governor cannot dictate terms.

Speaking on the potential defection, Ganduje stated emphatically that Kwankwaso must drop any “unnecessary conditions” and respect the existing party structure, particularly in Kano State, where the political rivalry between the two men is most pronounced.

“If Kwankwaso wants to return to the APC, he must come without preconditions,” Ganduje reportedly stressed. “He must not insist on terms that challenge the established hierarchy or structure of the party in the state. He must be ready to work under the current leadership.”

This statement is seen as a direct response to reports suggesting that Kwankwaso is seeking major political concessions and “strong promises” from the APC and President Bola Tinubu to facilitate his defection.

Ganduje, who was Kwankwaso’s deputy before their bitter political fallout, made it clear that a return means recognizing the authority of the party’s leadership. The former APC Chairman’s stance highlights the internal hurdles and power dynamics that must be resolved if the ruling party is to successfully unite the two major political forces in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.