The Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has cautioned members of the party against engaging in acts of political betrayal, stating that defection from the movement has never led to meaningful or lasting success.
Kwankwaso issued the warning during a meeting with supporters at his residence in Kano, where he addressed increasing reports that some influential members of the NNPP may be preparing to defect to other political parties.
His comments follow widespread speculation that the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is allegedly making arrangements to leave the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has intensified political unease in the state.
In a viral video from the gathering, which has been circulating on social media, Kwankwaso stated that he was neither shocked nor unsettled by the alleged defection moves, noting that political history has often not favoured those who abandon the platforms that helped them achieve relevance.
“I want to remind those who left us that nobody has betrayed us and succeeded,” Kwankwaso said.
“Political history is very clear on this matter. Those who believe they can rise by betraying the people and the movement they came from should think deeply.”
The former governor, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, explained that the strength of the party is not determined by the loyalty of a small group of political office holders but by the support of ordinary citizens who are committed to the ideals of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
“I am not disturbed by these developments,” he added. “What truly matters is the support of the masses, not the movement of a few politicians who are chasing personal interests.”
Kwankwaso highlighted the massive turnout of supporters at the meeting as proof that the NNPP still enjoys strong grassroots support across Kano State despite ongoing rumours of defections and political realignments.
“You can see with your own eyes the number of people who came here today,” he said. “This shows clearly that our movement is alive, strong and firmly rooted among the people of Kano.”
He reiterated the party’s dedication to people-focused governance, social justice and inclusive politics, stressing that the Kwankwasiyya Movement is greater than any individual and remains resilient in the face of defections or political manoeuvres.
As at the time this report was being compiled, neither Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf nor the Kano State Government had released any official statement confirming or denying reports of a possible defection to the APC.
