Senator Rabiu Musa KwankwasoFormer Kano Governor warns that betrayal within the Kwankwasiyya movement will not go unpunished, insists there’s no rift with Governor Abba Yusuf
The former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that politicians who defected from the NNPP or abandoned the Kwankwasiyya movement will face political consequences in the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso issued the warning in Kano while speaking during activities marking his 69th birthday celebration. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Kaduna, the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate emphasized that those leaving the political movement were acting at their own peril, stressing that his political structure remains strong and unshaken.
He stated that betrayal and political disloyalty would not go unpunished, adding that his movement has a long memory when it comes to acts of treachery. “At this point in time, if anyone thinks he can cross over and still come to Kano to win an election, such a person is only deceiving himself,” Kwankwaso warned. “Our political project will continue to take action against those who betray it.”
The former governor clarified that his political philosophy is founded on principles and loyalty rather than personal enmity or vendetta. According to him, those who have chosen to part ways with the movement either did so on their own accord or due to misconduct that violated the group’s values. “We don’t set out to fight anyone,” he said. “Whoever you see leaving us either did so voluntarily or went too far in misconduct. If you insult or disrespect us publicly, knowing fully well your past, we have no option but to act.”
Responding to speculations of a rift between himself and the incumbent Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kwankwaso dismissed such claims as unfounded. He maintained that there is no friction between him, the governor, or senior members of the state government, describing the rumors as the handiwork of mischievous political actors trying to sow division.
“There is no problem between me and Governor Abba,” Kwankwaso asserted. “We gave him the opportunity to perform, and he is doing his best. It is just that some mischievous individuals are trying to create division where there is none.”
Kwankwaso explained that Governor Yusuf’s emergence as the NNPP’s flagbearer and subsequent election victory were based on merit, loyalty, and long-standing commitment to the Kwankwasiyya ideals. He revealed that Yusuf was first identified as a capable candidate as far back as 2019, after careful consideration of all available options.
“We carefully examined the options and found him most qualified as far back as 2019,” Kwankwaso said. “We gave him the chance to deliver, and we continue to support him. Those claiming that I control contracts or run the government are only being mischievous. In due time, the truth will come out.”
The NNPP leader’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and speculations about future alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Kwankwaso’s warning to defectors underscores his determination to maintain cohesion within the Kwankwasiyya movement, which has remained a formidable force in Kano’s political landscape.
As preparations for the 2027 polls intensify, Kwankwaso’s message serves as both a caution to disloyal members and a reaffirmation of his influence over the NNPP’s direction and future strategy.
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