NATIONAL leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a stern warning to party members contemplating defection, declaring that political betrayal has never produced lasting success and warning that history is unforgiving to those who abandon the movements that brought them to power.
News Point Nigeria reports that Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, spoke at his residence during a meeting with supporters, where he reacted to growing reports that some key figures within the party are planning to defect to rival political platforms.
His remarks come amid widespread speculation that the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is finalising plans to leave the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has intensified political tensions in the state.
In a viral video circulating on social media from the gathering, Kwankwaso said he was neither shocked nor disturbed by the alleged moves, insisting that political history is filled with examples of those who betrayed their political roots and paid a heavy price.
“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 NNPP leader stressed that the strength of the party does not lie in the defection or loyalty of a few political office holders, but in the unwavering support of ordinary citizens who identify with 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 also pointed to the large turnout of supporters at the meeting as clear evidence that the NNPP continues to command strong grassroots support across Kano State, despite the growing rumours of 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 further maintained that the NNPP remains committed to its founding principles of people-centred governance, social justice, and political inclusion, stressing that the party would continue to serve as a platform for progressive politics in Kano State and beyond.
Kwankwaso assured supporters that no amount of political manoeuvring or defections would derail the party’s mission, describing the Kwankwasiyya Movement as bigger than any single individual.
Despite the intense speculation surrounding a possible defection, neither Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf nor the Kano State Government had, as of the time of filing this report, issued an official statement confirming or denying the claims of an imminent move to the APC.