KANO, Nigeria — Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has denounced politicians who defect from their parties after being elected, describing such actions as the “greatest political sin.”
Kwankwaso made the remarks on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Kano while receiving new party members from Takai Local Government Area.
Addressing a crowd of supporters, he condemned what he called political betrayal and urged his followers to resist efforts to undermine the Kwankwasiyya movement, a grassroots political organisation he leads.
“This is the highest form of betrayal in a democratic setting. I don’t know of any greater political sin than when vulnerable people vote for you — rejecting deceivers and enemies of progress — and you turn around to join those same enemies after winning,” he said.
“Had the people known, they wouldn’t have voted for you.”
The former presidential candidate warned that attacking the Kwankwasiyya movement would be met with resistance.
“Fighting the Kwankwasiyya movement is a grave mistake for any politician. One may not understand until he engages in that fight — and then he’ll realise how tough it is to battle a solid wall,” he said.
Encouraging party members to strengthen the NNPP’s grassroots presence, Mr Kwankwaso said the movement was driven not by money or appointments but by a shared commitment to public service.
“Whether you’re in this movement with or without an appointment, whether you got a contract or not, I believe we all are in the right frame of mind and grateful to God,” he added.
He also referenced the recent election in Kano South, criticising those who, he claimed, sold their votes.
“Even what happened in Kano South should be taken as a lesson. Some people collected spaghetti and N2,000 to elect someone. But in Kano, the poor stood firm. If it had been left to those selling their votes, the NNPP wouldn’t have won.”
Kwankwaso’s comments come amid a wave of defections from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In February, Yusuf Galambi, a member of the House of Representatives, left the NNPP for the APC, citing a “directive” from his constituency.
More recently, Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South, also defected, saying his decision was “anchored on compelling and undeniable developments within the party.”
