Former governor and NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso used a rally in Kano on Sunday to caution supporters against abandoning the party amid growing talk of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His address came after members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement said they were considering switching allegiance to give Kwankwaso a better chance at the presidency.
Kwankwaso warns against betrayal
Kwankwaso told the gathering that he was aware a small number of supporters were contemplating a move to the ruling party. He appealed to those considering the shift to think twice, arguing that history demonstrates those who abandon the movement do not achieve lasting success.
At the event, Abdullahi Rogo, director-general of the protocol directorate at the Kano state government house, said the proposed defection was intended to serve Kano’s interests. Rogo added that he and other members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement had appealed to Governor Abba Yusuf and Kwankwaso to lead them into the APC.
Kwankwaso acknowledged the appeal but urged his supporters to learn from the record of past defectors. “Nobody in this country or elsewhere has ever succeeded with betrayal; it doesn’t work that way,” he said, urging advice and counsel for anyone thinking of crossing the floor. He said some defectors may enjoy short-term gains but often do not maintain them.
Highlighting the persistence of the NNPP in Kano, the former presidential candidate commended loyal members for turning out in large numbers despite efforts by other political actors to draw support to the governor. He said the turnout demonstrated that the party retains strong grassroots backing across the state.
Political analysts say the episode underlines two competing dynamics. On one hand, local actors cite pragmatic calculations when considering alignment with the ruling party, particularly when presidential ambitions are at stake. On the other, long-standing loyalties and established party structures can blunt the impact of high-profile defections.
For Kwankwaso, the immediate priority appears to be consolidating support and keeping the movement intact. His public warning is intended to deter those who might be tempted by short-term advantage, while signalling to supporters that unity will be central to any future campaign strategy.
The debate over defections also raises questions for the wider political scene in Kano, a state that has significant electoral weight. If a sizeable group were to move to the APC, it could alter local alliances and campaign calculations ahead of national contests. For now, however, Kwankwaso’s message is clear: the party must remain cohesive and resist moves that could fragment its base.
As the political season progresses, attention will fall on how party leaders manage internal pressures and whether appeals for loyalty will hold. Kwankwaso’s speech is likely to be cited by NNPP organisers as a call to solidarity, while opponents will monitor any shifts among the governor’s supporters.
Kwankwaso’s closing remarks urged members to treat the party as a family and to support its ideology, a plea intended to translate turnout into sustained organisational strength rather than episodic displays of loyalty.
Key Takeaways:
- Kwankwaso warns against betrayal and urges party unity amid speculation of defections to the APC.
- Supporters under the Kwankwasiyya Movement have sought a shift to the ruling party to boost presidential prospects.
- Kwankwaso said historical patterns show defectors rarely enjoy lasting success and praised strong grassroots turnout in Kano.
