Kwankwaso Stands Firm as Kano Politics Shifts: “I Am Not for Sale”.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline
January 24, 2026
Amid growing political uncertainty in Kano State, former governor and ex–presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly rejected speculation that he is preparing to abandon his long-held political beliefs following the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and several key party figures.
Speaking on Friday at his residence in Kano, Kwankwaso addressed a large gathering of loyalists under the banner of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, using the moment to reaffirm his ideological stance and restate his commitment to what he described as a politics of principle, sacrifice, and service to the masses.
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The defection of Governor Yusuf—alongside some local government chairmen, members of the House of Representatives, and political aides—has sent shockwaves through Kano’s political landscape. For many observers, the exits raised questions about the future of the NNPP in the state and whether Kwankwaso himself might seek new political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, however, left little room for doubt.
“I’m not for sale,” he declared, drawing loud applause from supporters. “Our political convictions keep me grounded. If I were in this struggle for personal gain, I would have taken the easy route long ago, and you would not find me here today.”
In a speech laced with emotion and defiance, the former governor insisted that his political journey has never been motivated by money, patronage, or elite approval. Instead, he described his career as one shaped by resistance to compromise and loyalty to ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the Kwankwasiyya Movement—widely known for its red caps and strong grassroots base—was built on discipline, shared values, and a clear social mission rather than financial inducements.
“This movement did not survive because of money,” Kwankwaso said. “It survived because people believe in something bigger than themselves. Our shared vision is what keeps us together.”
He added that if greed had been his driving force, he would have “taken the money and run,” leaving behind neither a movement nor a committed following.
Acknowledging the unease among supporters following recent defections, Kwankwaso urged members of the movement not to lose focus or succumb to discouragement. He emphasized that political struggles are rarely linear and warned that moments of setback often precede renewal.
“We need people like you who have sacrificed and stood by the truth,” he told the crowd. “Do not relent. One day, we will achieve our objectives.”
Looking ahead, Kwankwaso stressed the need for early mobilisation, particularly in light of what he described as troubling developments in Kano’s political direction. Without naming individuals or parties, he accused “certain forces” of attempting to dismantle structures painstakingly built by the Kwankwasiyya Movement over the years.
“Going by what is happening in Kano today, we must start preparing,” he warned. “There are people hell-bent on destroying what we built over time.”
No Alliance With Oppressors, He Says
Reiterating his populist stance, Kwankwaso assured supporters that he would not align himself with any political group he believes is exploiting the masses. He framed his mission as an ongoing struggle to protect the interests of the poor and marginalized, a theme that has long defined his political identity.
“My mission is to always fight for the ordinary people,” he said. “I will not compromise with those who exploit the masses.”
The exit of Governor Abba Yusuf and other NNPP leaders has triggered fresh political realignments in Kano, a state long regarded as a major battleground in northern Nigerian politics. Analysts say the developments could reshape party loyalties and power structures as the countdown to 2027 quietly begins.
Yet, for Kwankwaso and his supporters, the moment is being framed not as an end, but as a test of resolve.
As the crowd dispersed from his residence, the message from the former governor was clear: political tides may shift, allies may depart, but the Kwankwasiyya Movement—anchored, in his words, on conviction rather than convenience—intends to endure.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 24TH 2026)
