Nigerians React to Kwankwaso’s Villa Meeting with APC Leaders: “Disappointing, Not the Change We Voted For”

News of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's meeting with top All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders at the Presidential Villa has sparked a wave of criticism and disappointment from Nigerians, particularly among supporters of alternative political movements.

The former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was reportedly in closed-door discussions with senior APC figures, fueling fresh speculation of an imminent defection — a move many citizens say would betray the ideals of progress and people-centered governance that Kwankwaso has long claimed to represent.

Reacting online, many Nigerians expressed frustration, accusing Kwankwaso of turning his back on the people’s struggle in exchange for political proximity to power.

“Kwankwaso meeting with the same people causing Nigeria’s hardship? Disappointing doesn’t even begin to describe it,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another said:

“If he truly cares about Kano or Nigeria, he wouldn’t be aligning with those responsible for our economic and social suffering.”

Amid the backlash, supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) used the moment to draw sharp contrasts between their platform and that of the NNPP.

“That’s the difference between NNPP and SDP,” a party loyalist stated.
“SDP doesn’t chase appointments or play the Abuja game. We fight for the people, not proximity to power.”

The sentiment was echoed by youth and grassroots organizations who say they are tired of recycled alliances and political cross-carpeting that serve elite interests rather than public good.

So far, Kwankwaso has not issued a statement clarifying the purpose of his Villa visit or responding to the swirling rumors of defection. However, his growing distance from NNPP leadership in Kano, coupled with increasing outreach from the APC, has only intensified public suspicion.

The political climate in Kano — and indeed across Nigeria — remains tense, as citizens look for genuine alternatives to the status quo. Many say Kwankwaso’s latest moves suggest he may no longer be that alternative.

As one commentator put it:

“Nigerians are watching. Not everyone wants to be a part of the system. Some of us want to change it.”