ABUJA — The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has officially extended an olive branch to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stating that the ruling party remains open to his return.
The overture comes at a time of significant political realignment following the high-profile defection of Kwankwaso’s son-in-law, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, to the APC on January 23, 2026.
‘A Big Tent for All’
Speaking during a media engagement in Abuja, Yilwatda emphasised that the APC is a “big tent” capable of accommodating all political heavyweights who are committed to the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“The APC is a progressive party, and our doors are wide open to everyone, including His Excellency, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Yilwatda stated. “We believe in building a broad-based coalition that reflects the diversity and strength of Nigeria.”
The Kano Power Play
The National Chairman’s comments are seen as a strategic move to further consolidate the APC’s grip on Kano State, a traditional stronghold of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). While Governor Yusuf has already crossed over, Kwankwaso has remained vocal in his criticism, recently describing the Governor’s exit as a “betrayal” and signalling his own interest in joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
However, Yilwatda’s invitation suggests that the APC leadership is keen to avoid a fragmented North ahead of 2027. By bringing Kwankwaso back into the fold, the party would effectively neutralise the “Third Force” threat currently being built around the ADC and figures like Peter Obi.
Mixed Reactions from the Kwankwasiyya Camp
Despite the open invitation, Kwankwaso recently told supporters in Kano that he would “rather join a new party than return to a party that has destroyed Nigeria.” He remains a central figure in the opposition coalition talks currently involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the ADC leadership.
Political analysts suggest that Yilwatda’s public invitation may be intended to create further friction within the NNPP, which is already reeling from the loss of its only governorship seat.
The Road to 2027
The APC has been on a recruitment drive in recent weeks, successfully bringing in Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba and securing a public pledge of membership from Defence Minister Christopher Musa (Rtd). Whether Kwankwaso will set aside his grievances to join his former rival, National Chairman Emeritus Abdullahi Ganduje, in the ruling party remains the most significant question in Northern politics today.
