Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is no figure to ignore in Kano’s political landscape. An Engineer by profession, Kwankwaso made his heralded inroad into Nigeria’s politics when he became the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the aborted Third Republic.  From there, he clinched the number one seat in Kano in 1999 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during which time he fought and diminished the political fortunes of heavyweights such as the late first civilian Governor of Kano state, the late Abubakar Rimi. But unexpectedly, the Sarduanan Kano, former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, in 2003, came with a political hurricane that consumed the second term ambition of Kwankwaso, who in some quarters, is regarded today, as the “Iron Shoe” of Kano politics.

Shekarau’s eight-year stint in Kano Government House could not consume Kwankwaso’s political prowess. He was adequately empowered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo with the plum job of the Minister of Defence, a position he maximally used to crush and put on check his political enemies from within and outside the PDP.

In his admired stubborn disposition, Kwankwaso meandered and survived all political onslaughts until 2011, when he achieved his aim of taking his second slot at Kano’s Government House, after building a formidable political force with his estranged political ally and two-time Deputy, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who succeeded him in 2015. Though Ganduje and Kwankwaso suffered political enemity shortly into the former’s first term as Governor of Kano state for reasons hinging on godfatherism and control of power, pundits believe that the two have continued to maintain cordial relationship on personal levels as Ganduje, throughout his eight years in office never failed to celebrate his former boss’ birthday in advertorials on national dailies where he eulogized and praised his worth.

Kwankwaso’s undying urge to control Kano’s political landscape paid well after Ganduje’s eight years as Kano Governor when his godson and in-law, Engr.  Abba Kabir Yusuf took over as the Governor in 2023 after a fierce contest with Ganduje’s Deputy and anointed candidate, Nasir Yusuf Gawuna. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s victory, indeed, ruffled the political feathers of Senator Kwankwaso, who came fourth in the 2023 presidential election under the platform of a new party he had hijacked— the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).

Determined to remain relevant in Nigeria’s political terrain, Kwankwaso made overtures towards the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his age-long political associate, seeking for a juicy position that would keep him into national relevance, but the influence of Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) killed that dream.

Interestingly, President Tinubu’s second-term ambition and the silent opposition from the North are gradually bringing Kwankwaso to national political limelight once again with his latest subtle move to return to APC, as confirmed by Kano APC chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, last Friday. Abbas, during a Press Conference at the Kano APC Secretariat, alerted that Kwankwaso had concluded plans to dump the NNPP and join the APC.

Abbas, while stating very clearly the position of APC over Kwankwaso’s speculated defection, hinted: “APC as a political Institution in its renewed hope agenda has embarked on the project of receiving decampees from all political parties. Recently, the attention of the party has been drawn to speculations of the impending decamping of the leader of the expelled faction of the NNPP, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the party.

“This is a welcome development, especially given the fact that the APC remains his last political refuge as he has successfully destroyed his relations with all other political groupings in the country. Without prejudice to our desire as a party to welcome new entrants and in respect of the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to political parties of their choice, we wish to state our position as a state chapter of our great party in Kano state.

“We have already directed our ward chapters to open registers for new decampees, irrespective of their political and social stature, and this is in line with our party’s constitution. We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register. Also, we want to assure our elected party officials from the ward, local government, senatorial and state levels that they will continue to function as provided by the tenure of their office in the party constitution. To seek any future party or elective position, any old or new entrants shall be free to exercise his/her constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference.

“We are fully aware that some people are desperate to join the APC because they have scuttled their political goodwill and have become political lepers in the national scheme of things, and are looking to the APC for political relevance. We are also aware that some politicians are trying to run away from accounting for their corrupt misdeeds both in government and party administration, and seeking refuge in the APC to escape from the fangs of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC. However, joining APC as a political party is not a panacea for escaping from their past sins.”

Obviously warning against Kwankwaso’s overbearing attitude in party affairs, Abbas added: “For the avoidance of doubt, let me emphasise that the APC as a political party does not and will not encourage or promote the existence of cult like associations in the name of political activities or groupings. On a final note, we unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy Senator Kashim Shettima, to offer a public apology as a sign of remorse, and respect for future relationships.”

However, amidst the claims and counter-claims of planned defection of Senator Kwankwaso to the ruling APC,  feelers from the party reveal that the move by the former Kano State governor is already creating disquiet in the party. Party sources said that Kwankwaso’s move,  believed to be based on a deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu, with the NNPP leader,  is causing disaffection in the camp of National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and a presiding officer in the Senate eyeing the APC  governorship ticket in  Kano in 2027, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin. Our Correspondent reports that while Tinubu is working to secure the support of Kwankwaso and his supporters ahead of the 2027 general election, because of Kwankwaso’s grip on Kano,  certain chieftains of the APC are jittery that their interests could be sacrificed in the horse trading with Kwankwaso and his supporters. Already,  Senator  Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, decamped from NNPP to APC last Wednesday. Honourable Aliyu Sani Madaki and Honourable  Kabiru Usman Rurum, who won elections in the House of Representatives with NNPP tickets, are also warming up to decamp to the APC.

Indeed, Kwankwaso’s potential return to the APC has sparked tension within the Kano chapter of the party. However, APC’s spokesman, Ahmed Aruwa, has strongly opposed Kwankwaso’s return, citing past controversies. Abdullahi Ganduje, APC’s National Chairman, has claimed that Kwankwaso lacks support in Kano state and should expect reality in 2027. Ganduje’s faction has recognised Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano, while Kwankwaso’s faction supports Emir Muhammad Sanusi 11, which might further complicate Kwankwaso’s potential return to APC.

Moreover, Kano NNPP Chairman, Dr. Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, has expressed loyalty to Kwankwaso, stating that party members would follow him wherever he goes. This loyalty could be crucial if Kwankwaso decides to return to the APC. Kwankwaso’s move could significantly impact the 2027 elections in Kano State. If he returns to the APC, it might strengthen the party’s chances, but internal conflicts and opposition from some party members could hinder this. Alternatively, if Kwankwaso stays with NNPP or forms an alliance with another party, it could lead to a more competitive election. Kwankwaso’s return could exacerbate existing tensions within the APC, particularly between Ganduje and Kwankwaso’s factions. Kwankwaso’s move might alter the political landscape in Kano state, potentially weakening the APC’s hold or strengthening the NNPP’s position. The  2027 elections could become more unpredictable, with potential alliances and defections influencing the outcome.

Furthermore, the political implications of Kwankwaso’s statement about the APC struggling to secure 15,000 votes in Kano state are significant.  Kwankwaso’s claim suggests a potential shift in Kano state’s political landscape, with his party, NNPP, gaining momentum. This could impact the 2027 general elections, making Kano state a crucial battleground. Kwankwaso’s statement implies that both APC and PDP may struggle to gain traction in Kano state, potentially weakening their chances in the 2027 elections. This could lead to a rise in NNPP’s influence in the region. The PDP’s potential risk of extinction without joining a coalition ahead of 2027 could lead to a shift in the party’s strategy. PDP might consider forming alliances with other parties to strengthen its position in Kano.

Moreover,  Kwankwaso’s statement may also reflect internal party dynamics, with some party members questioning his leadership style and motives. This could lead to potential power struggles within the NNPP. The outcome of the 2027 elections in Kano state could have broader implications for national politics, potentially altering the balance of power among parties. However,  the NNPP’s growing influence in Kano state could lead to a shift away from traditional parties like the APC and PDP. The 2027 elections might see increased competition among parties, potentially leading to more unpredictable outcomes.

The outcome of the elections in Kano state could have implications for regional politics, potentially influencing the balance of power in the North.