All Progressives Congress has extended an olive branch to opposition figure Rabiu Kwankwaso, with its national chairman affirming on Monday that the party would embrace the former presidential hopeful should he decide to switch allegiances.
The invitation comes against a backdrop of fluid politics in northern Kano State, where Governor Abba Yusuf and several lawmakers recently abandoned the New Nigeria Peoples Party for the APC.
APC leader Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in a televised interview Sunday, said: “Our doors are still open for Kwankwaso to join the APC. If he comes, he’s most welcome. Though we are not yet in negotiation with him.”
Kwankwaso, a veteran politician and ex-governor of Kano, contested the 2023 presidency under the NNPP banner, placing fourth in a race won by APC’s Bola Tinubu.
His potential defection could reshape dynamics in the populous northwest, a key electoral battleground, as parties gear up for future polls.
Yilwatda also praised Tinubu’s overseas engagements, describing them as vital for investment, security and diplomacy.
“Because of his experience, exposure and connections, what he can connect in one day will take most of us years to gain and achieve,” the chairman said.
He framed the president’s travels as selfless: “For this man to sacrifice for this country, to move around, attract investment, work on security and negotiate bilateral agreements, should we take that for granted?”
