Leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has lambasted politicians who defect to rival parties after enjoying the support of the electorate, branding such moves as the “greatest political sin” in a democracy.
Kwankwaso made the declaration on Friday in Kano while welcoming a wave of defectors from Takai Local Government Area of Kano South into the NNPP at his Miller Road residence. His statement comes amid a series of high-profile defections from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila and Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, member representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure federal constituency.
Reflecting on past elections, Kwankwaso noted that each political contest served as a learning curve for his movement. He emphasized the lessons drawn from the 2019 and 2023 general elections, asserting that the group emerged stronger and more resilient.
The NNPP chieftain described the Kwankwasiyya ideology as a people-focused movement, driven not by financial inducements but by a commitment to uplifting the common man.
“This movement is for the people. It is not about money. 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,” he stated.
Kwankwaso criticized defectors who, after securing electoral victories through popular support, switched allegiance to political rivals. He described such actions as the height of political betrayal.
“This is the highest form of betrayal in a democratic setting. When vulnerable people vote for you and you turn around to join their oppressors, it is a political sin of the highest order,” he said.
The former Minister of Defence warned that any politician who attempts to undermine the Kwankwasiyya movement does so at their peril, likening the group to a “solid wall” that cannot be easily shaken.
“Fighting the Kwankwasiyya movement is a grave mistake. One may not understand until he engages in that fight—and then he’ll realize how tough it is,” he remarked.
Kwankwaso urged his supporters to remain steadfast and continue mobilizing grassroots support across communities. He reaffirmed the unity of the movement and its dedication to promoting social justice and the welfare of the underprivileged.
“Whether you got an appointment or not, whether you got a contract or not, we are all in this for the right reasons. The poor now understand everything, and that is our strength,” he added.
He congratulated the new members for joining the NNPP and expressed optimism that the party would continue to expand its influence.
