The political tension in Kano State has reached new heights as the All Progressives Congress (APC) fired back at Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Kwankwaso had recently claimed that he would significantly reduce the APC’s votes in the 2027 elections. In response, the APC dismissed these comments, calling them laughable.

Abdullahi Abbas, the APC Chairman in Kano, didn’t hold back. He referred to Kwankwaso as a “political refugee,” accusing him of clinging to Governor Abba Yusuf in an attempt to stay relevant. Abbas also questioned Kwankwaso’s membership in the NNPP, suggesting he should focus on rejoining the party, from which he was reportedly ousted.

“We urge Kwankwaso to stop daydreaming and face reality. His misplaced confidence in reducing the APC’s votes in Kano State is nothing but wishful thinking. Our party remains the people’s choice,” Abbas said.

Abbas didn’t stop there. He alleged that the success of the NNPP in the 2023 elections was due to manipulated votes, adding that such tactics would not be tolerated in future elections. He made it clear that the APC is preparing to reclaim Kano in the 2027 elections, promising to free the people of the state from Kwankwaso’s influence, which he claimed came from his “castle” on Miller Road.

“Our teeming supporters in the APC have no reason to worry about Kwankwaso, who has been booted out of the NNPP due to his cluelessness and self-centeredness. He is now a wanderer in the political landscape,” Abbas stated.

He continued, “Kwankwaso left the APC because he couldn’t align with our progressive ideals. His overblown ego also forced him to abandon the PDP. Now, even the NNPP has rejected him, leaving him politically homeless.”

Kwankwaso’s remarks, made during a meeting with stakeholders from Tsanyawa Local Government Area, were aimed at highlighting the efforts of his team in the 2023 elections, where he claimed they managed to push the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the sidelines, leaving them with just 15,000 votes in Kano. Additionally, Kwankwaso mentioned receiving support from former officials of the Abdullahi Ganduje-led administration, who allegedly pledged allegiance to his camp.

“We achieved this remarkable feat despite being a new party and starting our campaign late. Now, it’s our turn to diminish the APC. We will work tirelessly to ensure their votes in Kano are reduced to less than 15,000 in 2027,” Kwankwaso vowed.

As the 2027 elections approach, the APC is making it clear that it plans to retake control of Kano State and end Kwankwaso’s political influence.