Kwankwaso rejects APC offer after secret meeting with Abba Yusuf

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf recently met with his godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, at the latter’s residence in Kano. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, is believed to be part of efforts to convince Kwankwaso to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to sources, the governor, accompanied by a mediator known as Sarkin Gobir, arrived at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence around midnight. The meeting lasted for over an hour, but it appears that the governor was unable to persuade Kwankwaso to join the APC.

Kwankwaso, addressing supporters at his residence the following day, stated that he is not for sale and emphasized the importance of loyalty. He criticized the APC, citing its handling of insecurity and economic issues, which has led to a decline in public support.

The governor’s attempts to defect to the APC have faced significant opposition from Kwankwaso’s supporters, who have largely remained loyal to their leader. Despite the defection of some NNPP lawmakers and local government chairmen to the APC, the majority of the party’s grassroots supporters have aligned themselves with Kwankwaso.

Sources indicate that APC leaders are closely monitoring the situation in Kano, aware that Kwankwaso’s popularity could potentially sway the outcome of future elections. The president is reportedly keen on having Kwankwaso join the APC, and the governor’s meeting with him was likely an attempt to facilitate this.

Following the meeting, Governor Yusuf traveled to France to meet with President Bola Tinubu, where he is expected to brief him on the outcome of his discussion with Kwankwaso. The governor is anticipated to announce his defection to the APC after consulting with the party’s leaders, who have recently returned to Nigeria.

The development comes as the APC prepares for future elections, with the party’s leaders seeking to strengthen their position in key states like Kano. The outcome of the governor’s defection and Kwankwaso’s decision will likely have significant implications for the political landscape in Nigeria.