Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, has stated that he is not for sale and cannot be influenced by money or material gain in politics. The former Kano State governor made this statement while discussing recent political events in the state, touching on issues of loyalty, betrayal, and the current political climate.
Kwankwaso noted that politics inherently involves victories and losses, but warned that betrayal can trigger anger among the public, particularly in times of insecurity and economic hardship. He emphasized that abandoning principles for personal gain can lead to being trapped in political arrangements with no clear exit strategy. The NNPP leader also pointed out that betrayal has damaged the credibility of some political platforms, contributing to the growing loss of public support due to poor handling of security and economic challenges.
Kwankwaso rejected the notion that every politician has a price, stressing that his integrity is not for sale. He described the political terrain in Kano as unique, with voters who are politically enlightened and difficult to sway with money or material gifts. According to him, if wealth were his primary motivation, he would have placed a value on himself, but no amount of money can buy his conscience.
The former governor cautioned politicians and voters against the temptation of short-term inducements during elections, warning that such choices often result in long-term suffering. He urged political stakeholders to remain guided by principles and focus on the long-term interests of the people, as leadership built on inducement and betrayal cannot deliver sustainable development.
Kwankwaso’s statement comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with insecurity and economic challenges, and his comments may resonate with many Nigerians who are frustrated with the current state of politics in the country. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Kwankwaso’s emphasis on integrity and principle-based leadership may be seen as a breath of fresh air by some. With the NNPP gaining momentum, Kwankwaso’s stance may also have implications for the party’s future direction and appeal to voters.
