The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has cautioned party members nursing plans to defect, warning that political betrayal has never produced lasting success.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, made the remarks at his residence during a meeting with supporters, where he addressed reports suggesting that some party members were considering leaving the NNPP.
His reaction followed widespread speculation that the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, may be concluding arrangements to abandon the Kwankwasiyya Movement and align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a video from the gathering that has since gone viral, Kwankwaso said the reports did not come as a surprise to him, stressing that history provides clear lessons for politicians who choose to abandon the platform that brought them to prominence.
“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 think they can rise by betraying the people and the movement they came from should reflect deeply.”
The NNPP leader insisted that defections would not diminish the party’s strength, noting that the real power of the movement lies with the people rather than with a handful of elected officials.
“I am not disturbed by these developments,” he added. “What matters most is the support of the masses, not the movement of a few politicians who are chasing personal interests.”
Kwankwaso further cited the large turnout of supporters at the meeting as evidence that the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement remain vibrant and deeply rooted at the grassroots level in Kano State.
“You can see with your own eyes the number of people who came here today,” he said. “This is evidence that our movement is alive, strong, and firmly rooted among the people of Kano.”
Despite the increasing speculation surrounding possible defections, Kwankwaso maintained that the NNPP remains committed to its founding ideals and would continue to serve as a vehicle for progressive politics within Kano State and beyond.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf nor the Kano State Government had issued any official statement addressing the claims of a potential defection to the APC.
What you should know
Rabiu Kwankwaso’s warning reflects growing political tension within Kano State as realignments ahead of future elections gather pace.
His comments are directed at both party loyalists and elected officials amid rumours of defections to the ruling APC. Kwankwaso’s emphasis on grassroots support underscores the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s reliance on popular backing rather than elite power brokers.
The unfolding situation is significant because Kano remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political states, and any major defection could reshape party dynamics both locally and nationally as opposition parties reposition themselves.
