Newly appointed All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda on July 24, 2025, extended a warm invitation to opposition figures, prominently including Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), to join the APC, signaling an ambitious strategy to broaden the party’s base.
During his inaugural address following the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Yilwatda emphasized the APC’s readiness to embrace defectors, citing the recent influx of PDP and Labour Party members as evidence of its growing appeal. He specifically highlighted Kwankwaso’s substantial influence in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano, where the NNPP secured a gubernatorial victory in 2023, as a valuable asset for the APC’s 2027 ambitions.
The invitation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s earlier call for opposition unity under the APC, framing it as an opportunity to address national challenges collaboratively. Yilwatda promised a platform for northern voices, countering Kwankwaso’s recent critique of regional neglect, though no specific incentives were detailed.
Kwankwaso has yet to respond, but his political acumen suggests he may leverage the offer for negotiations. The opposition label it a power grab to weaken rivals, while APC supporters see it as a pragmatic expansion. The narrative of inclusivity is strategic, but its success will depend on tangible concessions and Kwankwaso’s willingness to align with a party he has publicly criticized.