‘APC Is Wary Of Kwankwaso’s Influence In Kano, But..’, Says Party Chieftain

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Adamu Aliyu, has said that the ruling party was actively strategising to counter the political influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Kano State, describing the former governor and one-time Senator as a formidable force that cannot be ignored ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on ‘Politics Today’, a current affairs programme on Channels Television on Wednesday night, Aliyu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s enduring political relevance in Kano, particularly against the backdrop of his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Nobody can ignore Kwankwaso in Kano and we are not ignoring him. We are wary of Kwankwaso, we know what he can do. We are trying to counter him,” Aliyu said.

He stressed that while the APC respects Kwankwaso’s political structure and followership, it was also working to weaken his base and consolidate its own strength in the state.

“We respect him. We respect his followership. But we’re also there. We’ll do everything possible to win over his supporters,” he added.

Aliyu cited recent developments within Kwankwaso’s camp, including the Kano State governor’s defection to the APC, saying Governor Abba Yusuf has his own structure intact.

“The 44 local government chairmen nominated, appointed and installed by Kwankwaso are all together with him [Governor Yusuf],” he said.

The APC chieftain also reaffirmed his party’s commitment to retaining power at the federal level in 2027, declaring President Bola Tinubu as its candidate for re-election.

“The leader, he’s the leader of our party and he’s our candidate. So we’ll do everything within the law to ensure he becomes president again, simple!” he said.

Aliyu used the opportunity to appeal to aggrieved members of the party, particularly from Northern Nigeria, to return and support the APC, which he described as the most viable platform heading into the next election cycle.

“We beg of them to please come back and join this government, this moving train. Because whether you like it or not, as the horizon shows now, the party to win this election is APC,” he stated.

Aliyu’s comments come amid growing political realignments and early permutations ahead of the 2027 polls, with Kano State expected to remain a key battleground given its voting strength and history of bloc support.