Kano, Nigeria – Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has strongly criticized elected politicians who switch parties after securing electoral victories, calling such actions the “greatest political sin.”
Kwankwaso made the remarks on Saturday at his residence on Miller Road, Kano, while welcoming a wave of new defectors from Takai Local Government Area in Kano South into the NNPP.
The statement comes amid a wave of defections from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including key figures like Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila and Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum.
“A Grave Betrayal of Voter Trust”
According to Kwankwaso, defecting after winning an election under one party’s banner is a direct betrayal of public trust.
“There’s no greater political sin than being elected by the people, only to abandon them by joining opposition forces,” he said.
He referenced past political betrayals, particularly during the 2015 elections, alleging that some joined the Kwankwasiyya Movement with dishonest intentions aimed at weakening the group.
Despite such setbacks, Kwankwaso praised the resilience of the movement and its unwavering commitment to people-centered politics.
Kwankwasiyya: Movement for the Masses
Emphasizing the grassroots nature of the Kwankwasiyya ideology, Kwankwaso dismissed the notion that politics is all about financial inducement.
“This movement is not built on money. Even in Kano South, some sold their votes for spaghetti and N2,000. But the poor in Kano stood their ground,” he said.
He urged supporters to reflect on the movement’s mission to uplift the common man and resist opportunistic politics.
A Warning to Future Leaders
Kwankwaso cautioned politicians against underestimating the strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, saying those who try to fight it often regret the decision.
“Fighting this movement is like fighting a brick wall. It’s a mistake no right-thinking leader should make,” he warned.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people, Kwankwaso encouraged loyalists to return to their communities and expand the base of the movement.
“This is a movement to be proud of—one rooted in justice, progress, and the will of the masses,” he concluded.
