Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, including Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, have rejected the planned defection of former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from his party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), to the APC. Ata, following a meeting with APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, emphasized that unless Ganduje decides to accept Kwankwaso, the former governor remains unwelcome. Ata further stated that Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano is diminishing, claiming that the once-popular red cap, associated with Kwankwaso’s followers, has virtually disappeared in the state. He pointed out that in past times, the red cap was visible in mosques and public gatherings, but now it is rare.
Ata expressed his support for Ganduje and the APC leadership, assuring President Bola Tinubu of a victory in Kano in the next elections. He argued that Kwankwaso was politically irrelevant in the state and is only seeking to join the APC because his political career is failing. Ata warned that Kwankwaso’s defection could bring crises to the party in Kano.
While Ata personally opposed Kwankwaso’s entry into the APC, he indicated he would accept it if Ganduje, as the party leader in Kano, made that decision. Dr. Ganduje, however, described Kwankwaso’s situation as one of a “fish out of water”, noting that while Kwankwaso may have been abandoned by his followers, it is morally right to offer shelter to someone in need.
