Ganduje Offers ‘Political Shelter’ to Stranded Kwankwaso in APC

Ganduje Offers ‘Political Shelter’ to Stranded Kwankwaso in APC

Ganduje has opened the door wide for his estranged political rival, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, offering him what he called “political shelter” if he decides to leave the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC national chairman said his party is big enough to accommodate Kwankwaso, who he described as “a fish out of water” in his current political terrain. For Ganduje, the former Kano governor needs a place where he can breathe politically—and that place, he said, is the APC.

“If he calls for shelter, we will not shut the door,” Ganduje said in a heartfelt tone. “The APC is deepening and widening democracy in the country. Kwankwaso is a fish out of water, trying to find his way back into the waters.”

He made these comments after meeting with Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, at the APC national headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, while official in nature, paved the way for Ganduje to hint at broader political reconciliations.

Describing the APC as a “big home,” Ganduje stressed that accommodating someone like Kwankwaso is both politically strategic and morally justified.

“When you see your son running to where he would get shelter and you are a big brother in a big home, I think it is morally right to accommodate him,” he said.

Ganduje and Kwankwaso were once political allies in Kano. Their relationship later turned sour, leading to their parting of ways and Kwankwaso’s defection to the NNPP, where he emerged as a presidential candidate in 2023.

But now, it seems the tides may be turning again.

Kwankwaso was recently seen at the Abuja airport alongside prominent APC figures such as Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin and former Senate President Pius Anyim. The encounter, described by Kwankwaso’s aide as a sign of “unity and mutual respect,” triggered speculation about a possible political comeback.

Adding fuel to that speculation was the reported secret meeting between Kwankwaso and President Bola Tinubu. Though no formal statements were made, whispers of a high-level discussion about Kwankwaso returning to the APC have continued to swirl.

Ganduje didn’t miss the chance to throw a sharp jab at Kwankwaso’s current party. According to him, the NNPP is no longer viable.

“The New Nigeria People’s Party is dead. Kwankwaso is seeking political salvation in the APC,” Ganduje stated bluntly.

While he made no official invitation, his words painted a clear picture. He sees Kwankwaso not as an outsider, but as someone who merely lost his way and needs a guiding hand back into the fold.

Ganduje also appeared to send a signal to other opposition figures who may feel isolated or unsure of their political futures: APC is willing to provide shelter, especially if the move strengthens the ruling party’s grip across key regions.

Observers believe Ganduje’s olive branch is more than just a personal offer—it’s a strategic chess move. Bringing Kwankwaso back into the APC, especially with Kano’s political weight, could fortify the party’s dominance in the North.

Still, such a move isn’t without risks. Kwankwaso’s return could stir tensions within APC ranks, particularly among leaders who fought bitter battles against him.

Despite these concerns, Ganduje appears committed to reconciliation.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” he said, underlining the human side of politics, where bridges burned may still be rebuilt.

If Kwankwaso takes this path, it could mark a significant turning point—not just in his political career but in the power dynamics within the APC. The door, as Ganduje made clear, is open.

All that’s left is for Kwankwaso to decide whether to walk through it.