- APC national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, says party doors remain open to Rabi’u Kwankwaso
- Recent defections in Kano include Governor Abba Yusuf and several lawmakers moving from NNPP to APC
- Yilwatda defended President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips as strategic for national interest
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said that the ruling party remains open to receiving the former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, amid ongoing political realignments in Kano State.
Yilwatda made the statement during an interview on Trust TV on Sunday, February 1, where he addressed growing speculation surrounding Kwankwaso’s political future and the recent wave of defections from the NNPP to the APC in the state. The developments have continued to generate intense debate within Kano’s political landscape and across the country.
The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, recently defected from the NNPP to the APC, along with several members of the State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives. The move was seen as a major political shift in the state and has fueled discussions about the possibility of other prominent NNPP figures following suit.
Speaking on the matter, Yilwatda clarified that although the APC is not currently engaged in negotiations with Kwankwaso, the party would readily welcome him if he decided to cross over.
“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,” the APC chairman said.
Beyond Kano politics, Yilwatda also took time to defend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, which have drawn criticism from some quarters.
According to him, the President’s travels are driven by national interest and are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships.
He argued that Tinubu’s experience, exposure, and global networks allow him to secure meaningful outcomes within a short period, outcomes that might otherwise take years for others to achieve.
“Because of his experience, exposure and connections, what he can connect in one day will take most of us years to gain and achieve,” he noted.
Yilwatda further described the trips as personal sacrifices made by the President in service of the nation, stressing that they are targeted at attracting foreign investments, negotiating bilateral agreements, and addressing pressing security concerns.
“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?” he asked, while urging Nigerians to view the travels through the lens of long-term national benefit rather than short-term criticism.
Aregbesola quits APC? Former gov’s faction dumps ruling party, eyes leadership in Osun
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Omoluabi Progressives, led by former Osun governor, Rauf Aregbesola, officially exited the APC, citing marginalisation, unfair expulsions, and internal conflicts. Members from all 332 wards in Osun expressed overwhelming support for the decision to leave the APC and align with a new political platform ahead of the 2026 election.
Aregbesola praised the group's unity and commitment to good governance, stating that this marks the beginning of a new chapter for Osun’s future prosperity.