The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed openness to welcoming former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, into the party.

National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda made the disclosure during an interview on Trust TV on Sunday, amid political realignments in Kano State following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the NNPP to the APC, which also saw several members of the State House of Assembly and House of Representatives switch allegiance.

“Our doors are still open for Kwankwaso to join the APC. If he comes, he’s most welcome,” Yilwatda said, adding that the party is not yet in negotiation with him.

The remarks come amid speculation that the APC is consolidating its political base in Kano, a key battleground ahead of the 2027 general election.

Yilwatda also defended President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, describing them as strategic moves to boost Nigeria’s international profile 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,” he said, noting that the President’s travels are acts of national sacrifice, crucial for economic growth and enhanced 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?” he added.