In a fervent address at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Friday evening, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, condemned the recent defections of key New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling the actions as the “highest level of betrayal.”
Kwankwaso’s remarks come in the wake of significant political shifts in Kano State, where notable NNPP figures, including Senator Abdulrahman Kawu representing Kano South Senatorial District, have defected to the APC. The former governor criticized these moves, emphasizing the sacrifices made by voters who supported the NNPP despite challenges.
“Kano South is a lesson. Voters rejected superghetti, N200, and Atamfa (wrappers) and were patient to vote for the NNPP,” Kwankwaso stated, highlighting the electorate’s commitment to the party’s ideals. He lamented that those who benefited from the NNPP’s success have now abandoned the party for personal gains.
The political landscape in Kano has been turbulent, with the NNPP facing internal challenges and external pressures. Reports indicate that the APC has been actively courting NNPP members, leading to a series of defections that threaten the NNPP’s stronghold in the state. In response, Kwankwaso urged the youth to remain vigilant and not be swayed by politicians prioritizing personal interests over public service.
Despite the setbacks, the NNPP continues to receive support from loyalists. During the same event, hundreds of supporters from Takai Local Government reaffirmed their allegiance to the NNPP, rejecting overtures from the APC. State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, welcomed the steadfast supporters, assuring them of equal treatment within the party.
The political dynamics in Kano remain fluid, with both the NNPP and APC vying for dominance ahead of the 2027 elections. As defections continue and alliances shift, the coming months will be critical in determining the state’s political future.