The factional Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Jibril Doguwa, has suggested that former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be considering a return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Doguwa, speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, linked the possibility of a political realignment to a recent meeting between Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, a prominent member of the Kwankwasiyya movement, and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“There is a strong indication that Kwankwaso may be planning to return to the APC. No Kwankwasiyya member would meet with President Tinubu without Kwankwaso’s approval,” Doguwa stated.
He downplayed Kwankwaso’s recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration, arguing that in Nigerian politics, such positions are often strategic rather than final.
“Criticising Tinubu doesn’t rule out political collaboration. In politics, there are no permanent enemies—only permanent interests. He may just be reminding the President of his duties,” Doguwa explained.
While acknowledging the continued presence of Kwankwasiyya loyalists within the NNPP, Doguwa maintained that the party could function with or without Kwankwaso.
“Defections are common in our political space. We still consider Kwankwasiyya members as part of the NNPP, but we will move forward regardless of Kwankwaso’s position,” he said.
He also brushed off concerns over possible internal party divisions, noting that frequent party switches are typical among Nigerian politicians.
“There is hardly any major politician in Nigeria who hasn’t changed parties at some point,” Doguwa added.
His comments come amid growing speculation of a potential alliance between Kwankwaso and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, a prospect that has reportedly unsettled some NNPP loyalists in Kano.
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