‘I Have No Price Tag’: Kwankwaso Declares Conscience Not for Sale Amid Kano Defection Crisis

By Tgnews Reporter

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Kano State governor, has boldly asserted his unwavering integrity in Nigerian politics, declaring that he has “no price tag” and that no one can buy his conscience.

Speaking to supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano on January 7, 2026, Kwankwaso rejected the widespread notion that every politician can be induced with money or favors. “People often say that everyone in Nigerian politics has a price,” he said. “If you want someone who cannot be bought, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso.”

The statement comes amid escalating political tensions in Kano State, fueled by persistent rumors that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf – Kwankwaso’s longtime protégé and the NNPP’s sole governor – is preparing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwankwaso, reflecting on loyalty, betrayal, and the volatile nature of politics, acknowledged that the game involves both gains and losses. However, he warned that acts of betrayal provoke strong public resentment, particularly at a time when Nigerians are grappling with widespread dissatisfaction over insecurity, economic hardship, and governance failures.

“Betrayal is not good,” Kwankwaso emphasized, noting that such actions often backfire amid public frustration with the current state of the nation. He projected confidence in the NNPP’s grassroots strength, dismissing attempts to undermine the party and insisting that its support base in Kano remains solid.

The remarks appear to be a veiled response to the ongoing rift within the Kwankwasiyya movement. Reports indicate that Governor Yusuf has secured majority backing from federal lawmakers, state assembly members, and influential stakeholders for a potential switch to the APC, described by some as an effort to “liberate” his administration from Kwankwaso’s influence.

In contrast, Kwankwaso has opened a “loyalty register” for elected officials and supporters committed to staying with the NNPP. While the governor reportedly commands significant support, including from APC figures, Kwankwaso retains loyalty from key senators and representatives.

Political observers see Kwankwaso’s declaration as a reaffirmation of his principled stance, positioning him as an outlier in a landscape often criticized for inducements and shifting allegiances. As the 2027 elections loom, the unfolding drama in Kano could reshape alliances and test the resilience of the NNPP.