The Brewing Political Battle for Kano: Ganduje’s APC Confident of Reclaiming Power from Kwankwaso’s NNPP
The political landscape of Kano State is heating up as the All Progressives Congress (APC) sets its sights on reclaiming power from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2027 elections. Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, has expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s ability to wrest control from the NNPP, asserting that the influence of its leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is on the decline. Ganduje’s claim, delivered through Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas at a recent party forum dinner, is predicated on the alleged dissatisfaction and subsequent exodus of Kwankwaso’s supporters. This assertion sets the stage for a potentially fierce political showdown in the coming years, as the APC seeks to capitalize on perceived weaknesses within the NNPP ranks.
Ganduje attributes the NNPP’s 2023 electoral victory, which saw them seize control of Kano State, to internal conflicts within the APC that led to defections. He argues that, absent these internal issues, Kwankwaso’s party would not have been able to secure victory. This narrative underscores the importance of unity within the APC moving forward and serves as a rallying cry for party members to close ranks and present a united front against the NNPP. The claim also implicitly suggests that the NNPP’s success was opportunistic rather than a reflection of genuine popular support, a narrative the APC will likely continue to push as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
Further fueling the APC’s optimism is the allegation that many who previously supported Kwankwaso are now disillusioned with his leadership. This claim, if substantiated, could significantly impact the NNPP’s prospects in future elections. The APC is banking on this potential disaffection to swing the pendulum back in their favor. They portray the current NNPP administration as ineffective and out of touch with the needs of the people, a message intended to resonate with voters who may be experiencing buyer’s remorse after the 2023 elections. This strategy aims to paint the APC as the more viable and competent alternative.
The APC is emphasizing unity as the cornerstone of its strategy to regain power. Ganduje stressed the crucial role of unity among party members, describing it as the only path to victory. This emphasis suggests a recognition of past internal divisions and a commitment to avoid repeating those mistakes. The call for unity serves as a rallying cry for party members to put aside personal differences and work together towards a common goal. The party’s leadership seems to understand that a fractured APC would only benefit the NNPP and diminish their chances of reclaiming Kano State.
Echoing Ganduje’s sentiments, Yusuf Ata, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, also underscored the importance of unity within the APC. He expressed confidence that a united APC would be a formidable force in the next election, suggesting that the 2023 loss was an anomaly and not indicative of the party’s true strength. Ata’s remarks reinforce the party’s narrative that unity is the key to success and that, with a cohesive front, they are well-positioned to regain control of Kano State. He further criticized the current NNPP administration, characterizing its governance as detrimental to the state and claiming that the people are dissatisfied with its performance.
The APC is also leveraging the actions of the federal government to bolster its position. Ata commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing Kano State in national development initiatives, citing the allocation of a larger share of housing units compared to other states. This highlights the potential benefits of aligning with the ruling party at the national level and implicitly suggests that Kano State would be better served under an APC administration that can effectively collaborate with the federal government. This strategy aims to portray the APC as the party best equipped to secure resources and development for Kano State. The upcoming political battle for Kano promises to be a closely watched contest, with both the APC and NNPP vying for the support of the electorate. The APC’s strategy hinges on projecting unity, highlighting perceived weaknesses within the NNPP, and emphasizing the potential benefits of aligning with the ruling party at the federal level.
