Politics
Defection Is The Highest Betrayal — Kwankwaso Slams Lawmakers For Dumping NNPP For APC
He accused the defectors—many of whom recently crossed over to the APC in Kano and Bauchi states—of betraying the very people and movement that brought them to political relevance.
Kano State – Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has described the recent wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the “highest level of betrayal” and a political sin against the Nigerian people.
Speaking at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Friday evening, Kwankwaso addressed hundreds of loyal supporters of Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila from Takai Local Government Area who chose to remain with the NNPP despite Kawu’s defection to the APC.
“Kano South is a lesson. Voters rejected spaghetti, N200, and atamfa (wrappers) and were patient enough to vote for the NNPP. But those who won the election among us decided to abandon the masses and join those who do not have the people at heart,” Kwankwaso stated.
He accused the defectors—many of whom recently crossed over to the APC in Kano and Bauchi states—of betraying the very people and movement that brought them to political relevance. While he stopped short of mentioning names, his comments were clearly aimed at recent high-profile NNPP lawmakers who switched allegiance.
“There is no worse political sin than leaving the party that gave you the opportunity and support, only to later abandon it. This is the highest level of betrayal,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerian youths to beware of politicians who, according to him, are driven solely by personal ambition and not public service. He warned defectors that betraying the Kwankwasiyya Movement would come at a cost.
“Fighting Kwankwasiyya is not an easy task; they will not realise it until they engage in the fight,” he declared.
Also speaking at the gathering, Kano State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, praised the party faithful for their loyalty and assured them that the party would treat them with fairness and respect.
The defection of Senator Kawu and other lawmakers is seen as a significant challenge for the NNPP in its strongholds, particularly Kano State, but Kwankwaso’s remarks suggest the party is gearing up for a fight to retain its base.
