‘He Is Not A Stranger To Tinubu’ – NNPP Speaks On Kwankwaso Returning To APC

The Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Hashim Sulaiman Dugunrawa, has responded to speculations that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be on the verge of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Tuesday, Dugunrawa acknowledged the swirling rumours but described them as a sign of Kwankwaso’s enduring political relevance, insisting that there is no substance to the claims of defection.

“We are happy people are spreading it. It only shows how politically significant Senator Kwankwaso remains,” Dugunrawa said.

He further emphasized that Nigerians view Kwankwaso as a politician of integrity and not one blemished by corruption or irrelevance. “People believe he is neither a thief nor a fraudster nor a political deadwood, but a leader blessed with focus and honour,” he added.

Highlighting the long-standing political ties between Kwankwaso and President Bola Tinubu, Dugunrawa recalled that both leaders served as governors of Kano and Lagos respectively and also shared time together in the Senate.

“They are not strangers to each other. While President Tinubu governed Lagos State, Senator Kwankwaso led Kano State, and both later represented their states in the Red Chamber,” he stated.

He, however, dismissed the defection claims as mere rumours, noting, “The idea that Senator Kwankwaso is planning to join the APC is just speculation for now. But we thank God that even such rumours underline his popularity.”

Dugunrawa concluded by reiterating that the NNPP remains confident in Kwankwaso’s leadership, describing him as a force in Nigerian politics whose name continues to stir conversations across the nation.