THE BIG STORY: What Kwankwaso Demanded From Tinubu That Ended Defection Deal

THE BIG STORY: What Kwankwaso Demanded From Tinubu That Ended Defection Deal

The much-speculated defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly collapsed following a disagreement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over political demands deemed too steep by the presidency.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, had been in multiple closed-door meetings with President Tinubu amid mounting expectations that he would ditch the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

While both camps have remained tight-lipped on the finer details of their engagements, insider sources revealed that Kwankwaso made key demands that became stumbling blocks to the much-anticipated alliance. Chief among these was his desire to be named Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 — a move that would effectively sideline current Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“Kwankwaso insisted that if he must join the APC, it has to be for something politically tangible,” one insider told News Week Nigeria. “He asked for either the vice-presidential slot or a significant national position that would maintain his influence, particularly in the North.”

Though President Tinubu had reportedly made overtures by initiating internal party adjustments — including the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman — the presidency balked at Kwankwaso’s ultimate demand.

Analysts believe Tinubu considered the political advantages of Kwankwaso’s support, especially given the NNPP chieftain’s stronghold in Kano, Katsina, and other key northern states. However, replacing Shettima — who still commands considerable loyalty within the party — proved a red line the president was unwilling to cross.

Fueling speculation of a failed agreement, Kwankwaso recently intensified criticism of Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of marginalizing the North in favor of southern development. Speaking at a public event, he decried what he described as a “lopsided allocation” of resources by the APC government.

The fallout became more visible last week when Kwankwaso received thousands of APC defectors into the NNPP at his residence in Kano, signaling his intention to strengthen his base rather than submit to APC leadership. He proudly posted the event on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, further fanning the flames of discontent between him and the ruling party.

“Kwankwaso is a political force in the North,” said political analyst Musa Inuwa. “He was never going to join APC empty-handed. His conditions were about preserving his political structure and giving his followers something to hold on to.”

Internal APC sources say some party stakeholders, especially those loyal to Ganduje, were wary of Kwankwaso’s potential entry, fearing he could hijack the party’s structure in Kano State. Their fears, it seems, have been temporarily allayed.

Still, talks of reconciliation persist. While Kwankwaso’s allies continue to claim that negotiations could resume if key issues are addressed, sources close to the presidency maintain that Tinubu has moved on, focusing instead on consolidating his base and addressing discontent within the party.