According to an interview with BBC News Hausa aired on Monday, April 27, 2026, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the political threat posed by Rabiu Kwankwaso’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Ganduje described Kwankwaso as a “bird hopping from one tree to another,” suggesting that his perennial party switching is a sign of weakening political influence.
Ganduje argued that the new opposition coalition which includes Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi is destined for failure due to “internal ambition,” noting that the platform is filled with individuals who all insist on contesting for the presidency.
In contrast, Ganduje highlighted the APC’s growing dominance, claiming that the party now controls 32 state governors. “No party in the history of Nigerian politics has ever held 32 state governors except ours,” he stated, adding that these governors are joining willingly to align with federal progress.
Revisiting the 2023 Kano governorship election, Ganduje acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision against the APC but noted that the party has since successfully “rebuilt its structure.” He specifically praised the incumbent Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his “reasonable thinking” in reportedly aligning with the APC to integrate Kano into national governance.
Ganduje also addressed the resignation of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the APC’s 2023 Kano governorship candidate, who left the party on the same day Kwankwaso joined the ADC. Ganduje insisted there was no personal rift or betrayal, interpreting the move as a pragmatic pursuit of personal interest.
He suggested that Gawuna likely felt his path to the 2027 ticket was blocked by the incumbent governor’s entry into the APC.
