Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), recently declared that his conscience is not for sale, positioning himself as a politician without a price tag. This statement comes amidst recent political developments and widespread beliefs about the transactional nature of politics in Nigeria. Kwankwaso’s assertion directly challenges the notion that all politicians are susceptible to bribery, urging those seeking an incorruptible leader to consider him. He elaborated that if his primary motivation were financial gain, he would have readily assigned a monetary value to himself, emphasizing that no one can approach him with the intent to compromise his principles.
“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 stated during an address to his supporters in Kano. This bold claim aims to resonate with voters disillusioned by perceived corruption and a lack of integrity in public office.
The former governor acknowledged that politics inherently involves both victories and defeats. However, he cautioned that acts of betrayal often incur public disapproval, particularly at a time when many Nigerians express dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, citing issues such as insecurity and economic hardship.
“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,” he explained, alluding to political shifts.
Kwankwaso further differentiated Kano’s political landscape from many other regions in the country. He highlighted that the electorate in Kano is politically savvy and not easily swayed by monetary inducements. This suggests a more discerning voter base that values substance over immediate gratification.
“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 questioned, underscoring the unique political culture of the state.
Featured snippet paragraph: The answer to finding a politician without a price tag lies in seeking leaders who prioritize integrity over personal gain, like Rabiu Kwankwaso, who asserts his conscience cannot be bought and encourages voters to look to him as an example of incorruptibility in politics.
He also issued a stern warning to both politicians and voters against prioritizing short-term gains, especially during election periods when inducements like cash and materials are frequently distributed. This practice, he believes, leads to prolonged periods of suffering for the populace in exchange for meager benefits.
“You will spend four years suffering and one day they will come and give you peanuts, and then you spend another four years,” he cautioned, urging a long-term perspective in political choices.
Kwankwaso’s statements serve as a direct appeal to a segment of the electorate seeking a departure from traditional political norms. His emphasis on integrity and his self-proclaimed status as a politician without a price tag are key elements of his current political messaging.
Understanding the nuances of Kano politics is crucial to appreciating Kwankwaso’s claims. The state’s electorate is often described as politically engaged, making them less susceptible to the common tactics of political inducement seen elsewhere.
This approach, if successful, could redefine expectations for political leadership and encourage a more principled approach to governance across Nigeria.
Ultimately, Kwankwaso’s message is a call for a shift towards value-based politics, where principles and public service are paramount, rather than financial incentives.
