New insights surfaced on Thursday regarding the failed engagement between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. Once anticipated as a significant player in the political landscape, particularly in Kano, this negotiation has now reportedly collapsed due to what sources describe as Kwankwaso's excessive demands.
Initially, Kwankwaso was sought after due to the perceived electoral strength of his Kwankwasiyya movement. However, he now faces the challenge of maintaining his political relevance, and the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is becoming increasingly isolated.
According to sources who discussed the situation with THISDAY, discussions between Kwankwaso and President Bola Tinubu extended over several months, with numerous meetings taking place, mainly in Abuja. The presidency had initially regarded Kwankwaso as a vital asset to gain traction in Kano and the North- west, particularly after the NNPP's showing in the 2023 elections.
Yet, insiders from the ruling party have disclosed that negotiations soured when Kwankwaso put forth what was considered overly ambitious and unreasonable requests. Reports indicate that he sought control of as much as 20 percent of the APC's national framework, alongside a vice-presidential position, and assurances extending to the 2031 election period.
Senior APC officials expressed their concern over these demands as preparations intensified for the upcoming 2027 elections. One source pointed out that even President Bola Tinubu had not requested a specific share in the APC’s structure, making Kwankwaso’s demand for 20 percent a significant point of contention. Furthermore, the vice-presidential role was reportedly never available for negotiation.
The source further elaborated that it was communicated to Kwankwaso that the vice-presidential position was occupied and that discussions concerning the 2031 election cycle were premature. Compounding these challenges, the Boniface Aniebonam faction of the NNPP announced that Governor Abba Yusuf's departure from the party was largely due to Kwankwaso's domineering tendencies and what they described as 'slavish' intentions.
As tensions rose within the party, the initial enthusiasm surrounding Kwankwaso's potential role dwindled. APC strategists began to regard the prospect of Kwankwaso uncompromisingly controlling the political dynamics in Kano with skepticism, especially given the emerging rift between him and Yusuf, alongside uncertainty about the governor's longevity in the NNPP.
Consequently, the negotiations faltered as Kwankwaso's demands escalated. His request for 20 percent control of the APC was met with disbelief among party leaders, which they deemed impractical. Additionally, Kwankwaso, despite the position being filled, had actively sought the vice-presidential nomination, reaffirming his earlier statements that he would only align with another political party if granted a ticket for the forthcoming elections.
“He was certainly overreaching,” remarked a senior APC official. According to insiders, Kwankwaso's approach suggested he was negotiating not from a position of cooperation, but rather as though he were an equal partner in a party he did not establish.
When progress stagnated, President Tinubu, who had previously been willing to engage with Kwankwaso as an influential figure in Kano politics, pivoted strategies. Instead of investing further political capital to placate Kwankwaso's demands, Tinubu and the APC leadership redirected their focus towards strengthening their relationship with Governor Yusuf.
This adjustment was viewed as pivotal, marking a moment when it became clear that Kwankwaso no longer wielded the political influence in Kano that he had previously claimed, particularly given his feuding with Yusuf. As a result, the presidency determined that fostering direct connections with the serving governor would yield better outcomes than strained negotiations with Kwankwaso.
This strategic shift effectively diminished Kwankwaso's bargaining power. His faltering ability to deliver a consolidated Kano bloc, coupled with an inflated perception of his significance, undermined his negotiating stance.
APC officials have reportedly positioned the party as a more reliable platform for Yusuf, while also raising concerns regarding Yusuf’s reelection prospects within the NNPP under Kwankwaso's leadership.
Further complicating matters, the Dr. Boniface Aniebonam-led NNPP has cited Kwankwaso’s authoritarian style as a reason for Governor Yusuf’s exit from the party. The party criticized Kwankwaso for his behavior and the oppressive leadership atmosphere he fosters.
Discussions regarding Yusuf’s switch to the APC have been framed by the NNPP as driven not by self-interest but by a need to escape Kwankwaso's suffocating grasp. They accused him of betrayal towards the party’s ideologies and leadership.
In the context of these developments, a related issue concerning the emirship crisis in Kano also appears to be on the brink of resolution. The state government confirmed understanding had been reached regarding the leadership dispute and is prepared to pursue a political solution to finalize the emergence of a single Emir in Kano. Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, stated that steps are being taken to create a viable resolution.
This illustrates the government's commitment to resolving lingering vassals while promoting political unity within the state. The political adviser to Governor Yusuf has echoed sentiments that concluding the emirship issue is vital for the political growth of the state.
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