NIGERIA: Kwankwaso Blasts Defectors, Says ‘They Will Regret Betraying Kwankwasiyya’

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned recent defections from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, describing them as the “highest level of betrayal.”

Addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Friday, Kwankwaso expressed disappointment in those who won elections under the NNPP only to turn their backs on the party and its grassroots supporters.

Without naming names, Kwankwaso made veiled references to Senator Abdulrahman Kawu and other federal lawmakers from Kano who recently switched allegiance to the ruling APC.

He said Kano South should serve as a lesson to all, noting that voters in the district rejected money, food and wrappers, and instead patiently stood by the NNPP.

“But those who won the election among us decided to abandon the masses. They joined those who do not have the people at heart but are only after their own pockets and families,” he said.

Kwankwaso warned young people to stay alert and not trust politicians who abandon their principles once in office.

He said those who fight the Kwankwasiyya movement will soon realize it is no easy battle.

“They will regret their actions. Fighting Kwankwasiyya is not for the faint-hearted,” he declared.

Welcoming hundreds of party faithful from Takai Local Government who chose to remain with the NNPP, Kwankwaso praised their loyalty and said the movement stands stronger with people of conviction.

The state NNPP chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, thanked the returning members and assured them of equal treatment and opportunities within the party.

Also present at the gathering were Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, former Commissioner of Religious Affairs, Falali, and Takai council chairman, Ibrahim Faruruwa.