Defection: Kwankwaso laments ‘unprecedented injustice,’ recounts 2019 political struggles

The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed anger over what he described as an unprecedented act of injustice, saying he has never witnessed such treatment in his long political career.

Kwankwaso made the remarks while addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, in a video shared on Facebook by his aide, Saifullahi Hassan. He reflected on the intense political, legal and personal struggles that followed the 2019 general elections.

He lamented that it would have been preferable for the governor to move to a new political platform such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rather than defecting to what he described as political adversaries.

“Since I have been in politics, I cannot remember a time when such injustice was done,” Kwankwaso said. “It would have been easier to accept if it was to a new platform like ADC, not to our enemy. This is something entirely new.”

Recalling events surrounding the 2019 elections, Kwankwaso pointed to the inconclusive polls and prolonged court cases that followed. He said the struggle to defend the mandate was intense and emotionally draining.

He also recounted interactions with prominent political figures during that period, including a former Senate President, Pius Anyim, who, according to him, expressed deep concern over the situation.

Kwankwaso said he personally undertook extensive efforts to safeguard the mandate, including visits across the country during the legal battles. He described the emotional toll the process took on allies and supporters alike, noting that many were deeply affected by the developments.

The NNPP leader’s remarks come amid growing political tension following recent defections, as party leaders and supporters continue to react to the shifting political landscape in Kano State.