The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that any political figure, including New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, seeking to join its ranks must first offer a public apology for past derogatory remarks made against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other senior party leaders.
This stance comes amid rumors that Kwankwaso may be defecting to the ruling party, with speculations suggesting that President Tinubu could offer him a federal government role.
Addressing the matter on Friday, Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas affirmed that while the party is open to welcoming new members, the acceptance process will be based on accountability and respect.
“We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders… to offer a public apology as a sign of remorse and respect for future relationships,” Abbas stated.
Abbas also acknowledged ongoing rumors about Kwankwaso’s defection, describing the APC as his “last political refuge,” given that the former Kano governor has reportedly strained ties with nearly every other political group in the country.
The APC chairman confirmed that the party was preparing to welcome defectors, directing its ward chapters to open registers for new members, without offering any preferential treatment.
“We have already directed our ward chapters to open registers for new decampees, irrespective of their political and social status,” he added.
Abbas also warned that the party would not protect individuals from corruption investigations, especially those facing scrutiny by anti-corruption bodies such as the EFCC and ICPC, and stressed that no one would be shielded from accountability after joining the APC.
Furthermore, he issued a stern reminder that the APC would not condone the formation of cult-like factions within its ranks.
“Let me emphasize that the APC… will not encourage or promote the existence of cult-like associations in the name of political activities or groupings,” he concluded.
