Defection: You’re traitors, Kwankwaso tells NNPP defectors to APC, others

• We learn from you – Rurum fires back

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in the 2023 polls, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has described lawmakers who defected from NNPP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, as betrayers.

Kwankwaso said they betrayed the electorate, who rejected financial inducement to vote them into power.

He said the NNPP would not have formed a government in the state if the electorate had not defied money politics to vote for their conscience.

Kwankwaso said this while receiving hundreds of supporters of the senator representing Kano South Senatorial district, Senator Abdulrahman Sumaila.

“Some people collected spaghetti and N2,000 to elect someone. But in Kano, the poor stood firm. If it had been left to those selling their votes, the NNPP wouldn’t have won. The masses believed in the future, not in temporary handouts, and they did what they believed was right.

“Look at what’s happening now. Some of those elected—what the poor man refused to do on election day—is exactly what they are doing today. They’re collecting money and selling the pride and dignity of those who sacrificed comfort to vote with their conscience.

“ This is the highest form of betrayal in a democratic setting. I don’t know of any greater political sin than when vulnerable people vote for you—rejecting deceivers and enemies of progress—and you turn around to join those same enemies after winning.

Had the people known, they wouldn’t have voted for you. Fighting the Kwankwasiyya movement is a gave mistake for any politician. One may not understand until he engages in that fight—and then he’ll realize how tough it is to battle a solid wall.

“Whether you’re in this movement with or without an appointment, whether you got a contract or not, I believe we all are in the right frame of mind and grateful to God. The poor now understand everything, and that’s what brought us to this moment we’re witnessing. Go back to your communities and bring more people on board.

Let me remind you: this movement is one that favours the people in every aspect. It’s a movement to be proud of. Our constant goal is to uplift the common man. On behalf of the governor, the NNPP, and everyone associated with this movement, I congratulate you for joining us and strengthening our base. Indeed, our movement is the best, and I pray it brings us all lasting benefits.”