In a dramatic political twist, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly convinced Rabiu Kwankwaso, fierce rival to Abdullahi Ganduje to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for a potential realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
A senior APC insider, speaking off the record, confirmed the development. “Between me and you, it is true, but I can’t confirm officially and please don’t quote me,” the source said.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in 2023, remains one of northern Nigeria’s most formidable political heavyweights. His defection would be a major boost for the APC, especially in the crucial northwest region.
This unfolding drama coincides with the sudden resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC national chairman. The former Kano governor, who held the role since August 2023, announced his immediate departure, bringing to a close a turbulent tenure marred by internal party rifts and legal wrangling.
Despite citing health concerns in recent weeks, Ganduje had remained visibly active leading a condolence delegation earlier today to visit Niger State Governor Umaru Bago over the deadly Mokwa floods and recent bandit attacks in Mariga.
On Thursday, he attended a high-level meeting between political party leaders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), fuelling speculation about the timing of his resignation.
According to sources, one of the APC’s national vice chairmen will take over in an acting capacity pending the party’s convention scheduled for December.
Ganduje’s exit could clear the path for Kwankwaso’s return to the ruling party, a move that would dramatically reshape political alliances in the north and across Nigeria as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
