Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has condemned politicians who switch to rival parties after benefiting from the support of the masses.
He described such an action as the “greatest political sin.”
Kwankwaso made these remarks in Kano while receiving a group of defectors from Takai Local Government Area of Kano South into the NNPP at his Miller Road residence.
This criticism follows the recent departure of several prominent politicians, including Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, who left the NNPP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reflecting on the history of the Kwankwasiyya movement, the former Kano State governor recalled the attempts to undermine it, particularly in 2015. He said:
“We all know the history of this movement. Unfortunately, in 2015, some individuals joined us with dishonest intentions. They brought disunity and tried to destabilize the movement. But thank God, the movement did not derail.”
Kwankwaso also revisited past elections, noting that each one provided valuable lessons. He added:
“When the 2019 elections came, everyone saw what happened, and the most recent one also taught us valuable lessons.”
Kwankwaso emphasized that the Kwankwasiyya movement is rooted in serving the people, not motivated by financial incentives.
He explained “this movement is for the people. It is a movement that right-thinking individuals should reflect on deeply. It’s not about money. 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.”
Criticizing those who defected after winning elections through popular support, Kwankwaso said “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. Had the people known, they wouldn’t have voted for you.”
Kwankwaso urged aspiring politicians to learn from the political lessons of Kano and warned against undermining the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“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 realize how tough it is to battle a solid wall.”
“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. The poor now understand everything, and that’s what brought us to this moment we’re witnessing. Go back to your communities and bring more people on board.”
Kwankwaso congratulated the new members who joined the NNPP and expressed his optimism for the future of the movement.
“Let me remind you: this movement is one that favours the people in every aspect. It’s a movement to be proud of. Our constant goal is to uplift the common man.”
