Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has issued a strong warning to politicians and voters as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. The veteran politician emphasized that betrayal carries serious consequences in politics and declared himself “priceless,” insisting that his loyalty cannot be bought.
Addressing the evolving political landscape, Kwankwaso highlighted what he perceives as a culture of betrayal and monetary inducements, criticizing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for governance failures, particularly in the areas of insecurity and economic hardship. Speaking to journalists, he said, “Life is like that; one loses, another gets. Of course, he entered a system that has no exit point. First, we know that betrayal is not good. Everybody knows how that party is losing the sympathy of the people, especially with regards to insecurity and the economy.”
Kwankwaso stressed that Kano politics is unique within Nigeria, noting that the electorate is politically conscious and not easily swayed by money or material inducements. “Kano politics in Nigeria is different. If not in Kano, where is it that one will meet you with a money bag and go into a meeting with you that they will give you things?” he asked, emphasizing that financial enticements do not determine political outcomes in the state.
Challenging the widespread belief that every politician can be bought, Kwankwaso declared himself an exception. “People used to say in Nigeria that everyone has a price tag. If you are looking for who has no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso,” he said. He added that if financial gain were his motivation, he would have already placed a value on himself, underlining that no one can approach him with the intent of purchasing his loyalty.
The former governor also cautioned voters and political actors against prioritizing short-term gains during elections, noting that inducements often result in long-term suffering for the public. “You will spend four years suffering and one day they will come and give you peanuts, and then you spend another four years,” he warned, urging all stakeholders to uphold principles and focus on the long-term interests of Nigerians.
Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid reports of a widening rift between him and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, his long-time political ally. Sources indicate that Governor Yusuf may be planning to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC, a move aimed at securing his political future ahead of 2027. The fallout has destabilized the NNPP in Kano, splitting the party into factions and reigniting debates about godfatherism and political loyalty in Nigeria.
The Kwankwasiyya leader’s warning is a call to action for both politicians and voters to consider the ethical and long-term implications of their decisions. He stressed that political offices are temporary, and leadership based on betrayal or financial inducements cannot deliver meaningful development or address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
Kwankwaso’s declaration of being “priceless” resonates with his consistent stance on integrity and principled leadership. By openly criticizing political opportunism and monetary inducements, he positioned himself as a moral compass in Kano politics and signaled that he intends to remain uncompromised, regardless of the shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the political temperature rises in Kano State and across Nigeria, Kwankwaso’s statements underscore the continuing tension between political loyalty, public interest, and the influence of wealth in shaping political outcomes. His message is clear: principled leadership cannot be bought, betrayal has consequences, and voters and politicians alike must act responsibly to ensure a sustainable democratic process.
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