Senator Musa’ud El-Jilbrin Doguwa, who represented Kano South from 1999 to 2003, recently shared his political journey in an interview. A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano, Doguwa defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 but has now returned to his original party, the PDP.
Doguwa revealed the reasons for his decision to leave the APC, his evolving relationships with key political figures like Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He also offered insights into how the PDP could reclaim the presidency in 2027 and touched on the controversies involving Nyesom Wike within the PDP.
On Leaving APC and Returning to PDP
Reflecting on his return to the PDP, Doguwa said his defection to the APC in 2019 was driven by dissatisfaction with the PDP’s internal decisions at the time. He explained how the party dissolved his leadership as state chairman without consultation, appointing a caretaker committee dominated by Kwankwaso’s faction. Feeling sidelined, Doguwa and his supporters defected to the APC, where they worked hard to ensure Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s re-election.
However, Doguwa expressed frustration with his treatment in the APC, citing a lack of recognition and involvement in key party activities. Despite his political experience and followership, he felt undervalued. “If you refuse to assign someone like me with the political duties and responsibilities that can make him relevant, then there is no way he can be fulfilled in your party,” Doguwa said, explaining his decision to return to the PDP after Kwankwaso’s exit from the party.
Was His Time in APC Wasted?
When asked whether his time in the APC was wasted, Doguwa dismissed the notion, stating that his efforts helped the party win the 2019 elections. While acknowledging some respect was given, he emphasized that his political worth was undervalued. “The APC simply denied me the political visibility and recognition due to a former senator of my caliber,” he noted.
PDP’s Prospects in Kano and Beyond
Doguwa remains optimistic about the PDP’s future, particularly in Kano. He acknowledged that the PDP had faced challenges, partly due to Kwankwaso’s departure and the factional litigations, but stressed that the party can rebuild. According to him, the key is restoring confidence among members who had defected to the APC and NNPP.
“Anybody that you can count to be worth in the Kano APC today was a member of the PDP. Anybody that you can count to be of worth in the NNPP today was a former member of PDP,” he said, stressing that many political figures in Kano owe their success to the PDP.
Doguwa argued that both the APC and NNPP are facing significant challenges in Kano and across the country, positioning the PDP for a potential comeback if it focuses on rebuilding trust. “People don’t throw away their roots. They leave because the roots are unable to cater to their momentary aspirations, but they can easily come back if the root is ready to accommodate their dreams,” he said.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Doguwa’s perspective highlights the possibility of an opposition coalition strong enough to challenge the ruling APC. According to him, once the opposition parties unite, the APC’s dominance will end.
