The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the ruling party remains open to welcoming former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Yilwatda made this known during an interview on Trust TV on Sunday, amid growing political realignments in Kano State following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent defection from the NNPP to the APC. The governor’s move also saw several members of the State House of Assembly and House of Representatives joining the ruling party.
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“Our doors are still open for Kwankwaso to join the APC. If he comes, he’s most welcome,” Yilwatda said. “Though we are not yet in negotiation with him.”
His remarks came amid speculations that the APC was seeking to consolidate its political base in Kano State, a key battleground state ahead of the 2027 general election.
The APC chairman also defended President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, describing them as strategic efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s international standing and attract investment.
“Because of his experience, exposure and connections, what he can connect in one day will take most of us years to gain and achieve,” Yilwatda said.
He argued that the President’s travels were acts of national sacrifice rather than luxury, emphasising their role in fostering economic growth and enhancing security cooperation.
“For this man to sacrifice for this country, to move around, attract investment, work on security and negotiate bilateral agreements, should we take that for granted?” Yilwatda asked.