Speaking Out: Political Moves and Controversial Stances of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Political Switches and Their Consequences
Politician Kwankwaso Discusses Exodus of Winning Party Members Post-Election
Against the backdrop of shifting loyalties in Nigerian politics, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the head of the Kwankwasiyya movement and a leading presidential contender for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has strongly denounced politicians who switch allegiances to rival parties after gaining from public support, categorizing it as the "gravest political transgression."
Realignment Rumors and Kwankwaso
As per recent rumors, Kwankwaso himself may be considering a return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could significantly reshape the political landscape in Nigeria prior to the 2027 general elections [3][4]. Some attribute this potential shift as a strategic tactic to invigorate the party, while others see it as a dangerous threat to the APC's stability in Kano and President Bola Tinubu's re-election prospects [3].
The Kwankwasiyya Movement's Influence
The Kwankwasiyya movement, under Kwankwaso’s leadership, stands as a formidable political organization, playing a crucial role in Kano's political arena [4]. Bringing this movement into the APC could spark internal conflicts, potentially causing electoral damage to the party due to its strident opposition to the current leadership spearheaded by Abdullahi Ganduje [3]. Conversely, the movement's inclusion may provide a much-needed boost to the APC's ranks in the region.
Reflecting on the Past and Present
Kwankwaso reflected on the history of the Kwankwasiyya movement, acknowledging the challenges faced and the movement's resilience, especially during the 2015 elections. Recalling infiltration by untrustworthy elements who stirred discord and instability within the movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso shared his gratitude for the movement's tenacity and its eventual success [1].
Upholding Principle Over Material Gain
Criticizing those who use wealth to influence votes, Kwankwaso pointed to instances where small bribes, such as ₦2,000, swayed voters in Kano South [1]. The Kwankwasiyya movement, according to him, stands for people-centric values rather than monetary gain, a point underscored by the lasting support of the poor in Kano [1].
Standing Strong Against Betrayal
Kwankwaso unequivocally condemned politicians who defect to opposition parties after winning with popular support, calling it a betrayal unparalleled in democratic settings. Emphasizing that the masses would not have voted for them had they known of their subsequent defections, he made it clear that such actions were inexcusable [1].
Encouraging Solidarity and Expanding the Movement
In a show of optimism, Kwankwaso appealed to new members to return to their communities and rally more people to join the NNPP, maintaining that the mission of the Kwankwasiyya movement remained steadfast: to uplift the common man [1].
Additional Insights:
- A political vacuum may arise in the NNPP following the defections of key politicians like Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum to the APC [2].
- Fears of electoral sabotage and internal conflicts are prevalent among political observers due to the potential realignment of the Kwankwasiyya movement within the APC [3].
- Public sentiment towards political defections is mixed, with many viewing it as a common practice while others demand that politicians remain loyal to their original parties and platforms [3].
- Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a key player in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has criticized politicians who switch parties after gaining public support, calling it the "gravest political transgression."
- With rumors swirling about Kwankwaso potentially returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the consequences could significantly alter the political landscape in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The Kwankwasiyya movement, led by Kwankwaso, is a significant political force in Kano's political arena, and its potential inclusion in the APC could spark internal conflicts and either cause electoral damage or provide a much-needed boost to the party's ranks in the region.
- Kwankwaso emphasized that the Kwankwasiyya movement stands for people-centric values, rather than monetary gain, underneath the message that small bribes swayed voters in Kano South.
