Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that he is “not for sale” following the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the party.
Kwankwaso made the statement on Friday while addressing his supporters shortly after Governor Yusuf officially announced his exit from the NNPP. His comments came amid rising political tension and speculation over possible defections and realignments ahead of future elections.
Governor Yusuf, who won the Kano governorship election in 2023 on the platform of the NNPP, said he decided to leave the party due to prolonged internal crises and unresolved legal battles. According to him, these challenges have weakened the party’s unity and made it difficult for it to function effectively at both state and national levels.
In his resignation message, Yusuf stated that the internal problems within the NNPP had affected governance and political coordination. He added that the situation in the party no longer reflected the values and direction he believed in.
The governor’s exit has sparked strong reactions within Kano State and across the country, especially because of his close political relationship with Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP and founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Reacting to the development, Kwankwaso told his supporters that he remained committed to his political beliefs and long-standing struggle for the common people. He dismissed claims that he could be pressured or lured into abandoning his principles for personal benefit.
“I’m not for sale. Our political convictions keep me grounded. If I were in it for personal gain, I would have taken the easy route, and you would be looking for me elsewhere, not in this place,” Kwankwaso said.
He stressed that his involvement in politics was not driven by personal ambition or material reward but by a desire to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. According to him, his political journey has always focused on education, social welfare and empowering the poor.
Kwankwaso, a former senator and two-time governor of Kano State, is widely known for his red-cap Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has a strong support base, especially among youths and the working class in northern Nigeria. The movement played a key role in the NNPP’s performance during the 2023 general elections.
During the election, Kwankwaso emerged as one of the major contenders, finishing fourth in the presidential race. Though he did not win, his showing was seen as significant, especially as the NNPP secured a landslide victory in Kano State, winning the governorship and most legislative seats.
Governor Abba Yusuf’s election was largely credited to Kwankwaso’s political structure and influence in the state. This is why Yusuf’s defection has raised questions about the future of the NNPP in Kano and the strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement going forward.
Several court cases involving the NNPP’s national leadership have also added to the uncertainty. These legal battles have affected decision-making and created confusion over who controls the party at the national level.
Governor Yusuf, in his explanation, pointed to these unresolved issues as a major reason for his decision to leave. He noted that the lack of unity within the party made it difficult to plan and move forward politically.
Kwankwaso, however, urged his supporters to remain calm and focused. He said political setbacks were not new and should not weaken their resolve. He encouraged them to stay committed to the ideals of the movement, regardless of changing political alliances.
He also warned against politics driven by money and personal interest, saying such practices had damaged Nigeria’s democracy. According to him, politicians must be guided by values and the desire to serve the people.
The defection of Governor Yusuf has led to speculation about where Kwankwaso himself might end up politically. In Nigeria’s political history, party defections are common, especially when internal disagreements arise or when politicians seek better chances ahead of elections.
However, Kwankwaso’s statement appears to shut down any immediate speculation about his own defection. By saying he is “not for sale,” he sent a clear message that he would not compromise his beliefs for political convenience.
For now, the NNPP faces an uncertain future in Kano State following Governor Yusuf’s exit. The party must work to rebuild trust, resolve its internal disputes and clarify its leadership structure if it hopes to remain relevant.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement have expressed mixed reactions. While some see the governor’s defection as a major blow, others believe the movement is bigger than any single individual and can survive the setback.
As Nigeria continues to experience shifting political loyalties, the latest development highlights the fragile nature of party politics in the country. Ideological commitment often clashes with personal ambition, leading to frequent changes in political alignment.
Kwankwaso’s declaration may resonate with supporters who see him as a principled politician in a system often criticised for opportunism. Whether this stance will strengthen his position or isolate him politically remains to be seen.