…Insists Kano politics can’t be bought
Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has ruled out any form of monetary inducement in ongoing political realignments, saying he has no price and will not trade his conscience for money.
Kwankwaso spoke against the backdrop of renewed defection talks across political parties, especially in Kano, where speculation has grown over possible movements by key political figures.
He made it clear that his political decisions are guided by principle, not financial offers, and insisted that Kano politics does not operate on cash-and-carry arrangements.
While reflecting on recent political events, the former governor addressed issues of loyalty and betrayal in Nigerian politics. He said politics naturally comes with wins and losses, but warned that betrayal often carries serious consequences.
According to him, public anger usually follows acts of political disloyalty, especially at a time when many Nigerians are unhappy with the state of governance.
According to him, “Life is like that; one loses and another gains. However, betrayal is not good. Everybody can see how that party is losing the sympathy of the people, particularly over insecurity and the economy”.
Kwankwaso stressed that the political culture in Kano is different from what exists in many other states. He explained that voters in the state are politically-aware and cannot be easily influenced with money or gifts.
He questioned the idea that anyone could walk into a political meeting in Kano with a bag of money and expect loyalty to be bought. “Kano politics in Nigeria is different. If not in Kano, where will someone come with a money bag into a meeting and think they can buy you?” he queried.
The former senator dismissed claims that every politician has a price. He said anyone looking for a politician who cannot be purchased should look his way. Kwankwaso added that if money was his driving force, he would have long attached a value to himself, stressing that no individual could approach him with the intention of buying his conscience.
He also cautioned voters against accepting short-term inducements during elections, warning that such actions often lead to prolonged hardship.
According to him, politicians who rely on cash handouts usually fail to deliver good governance once elected. “You will suffer for four years; and one day they will come and give you peanuts. Then you go back to another four years of suffering”, he said.
Kwankwaso urged both political leaders and the electorate to focus on long-term development rather than immediate personal gain, warning that leadership built on betrayal and inducement cannot produce sustainable progress or meaningful change.
