By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Kano
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has sent a strong signal to political figures contemplating defection into the party, declaring that there will be no room for special treatment, political impunity, or cult-like structures — regardless of status or past affiliations.
This message, widely perceived as a direct shot at Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiyya movement, was delivered by the APC State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, during a press briefing in Kano on Thursday.
Abbas noted that while the party remains open to accepting new members under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the APC will not sacrifice its values, internal structure, or discipline for the sake of accommodating anyone.
“This is a welcome development, especially given the fact that the APC remains his (Kwankwaso’s) last political refuge, as he has successfully destroyed his relationships with all other political groupings in the country,” Abbas stated.
He said the party had directed all its ward chapters to open registers for fresh membership, adding that decampees, regardless of their political stature, must follow the laid-down procedure starting from their wards.
“All those desirous of joining our esteemed party should go to their respective wards and register. There will be no backdoor entrance. Our structure remains intact, and our officials will continue their duties based on the party constitution,” he said.
Reiterating the party’s commitment to internal democracy, Abbas warned that no individual would be granted special privileges at the expense of loyal members.
“We are aware that some people are desperate to join the APC because they have squandered their political goodwill and become political lepers. Others see the APC as a shield against accountability. Let it be known: this party is not a safe haven for people running from their past,” he declared.
He also condemned the formation of political blocs that operate like cults, warning that such tendencies would be dismantled within the APC.
“The APC does not and will not encourage cult-like associations under the guise of political movements. We are a democratic institution, not a platform for personality worship,” he stressed.
Abbas further stated that any politician who has previously insulted APC leaders, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, must tender public apologies as a precondition for political collaboration.
“Respect is fundamental. We call on those who have made derogatory remarks about our national leaders to apologise publicly. Only then can we begin to talk about future cooperation,” he said.
The statement by Kano APC appears to set the tone for the political battles ahead in the state, especially as speculation swirls around possible realignments in the build-up to the next general elections.