We may lose Kano again” — APC reacts to Kwankwaso move

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alwan Hassan, has warned that the party could face serious political challenges after losing Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to another party.

Hassan made this statement on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he spoke about the possible impact of Kwankwaso’s defection ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, recently left the party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His move has sparked reactions within political circles, especially in the APC.

According to Hassan, Kano State remains a key stronghold in Nigerian politics, and any party that hopes to win national elections must take the state seriously. He expressed concern that Kwankwaso’s strong influence in Kano could make it difficult for the APC to regain control of the state.

He pointed out that the APC lost Kano in the 2023 elections and warned that history could repeat itself in 2027 if the party does not act strategically. Hassan stressed that Kwankwaso is a seasoned politician who understands the political terrain of Kano very well.

Describing him as a “master of the game,” Hassan noted that Kwankwaso has built a loyal political base over the years, making him a major force in the region. He added that Kwankwaso had been open to switching political parties since 2023, but the APC failed to take advantage of the opportunity to bring him into its ranks.

Hassan concluded by saying that losing a political figure of Kwankwaso’s stature to the ADC could strengthen the opposition and pose a serious threat to the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections, especially in northern Nigeria.