Deputy House Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, has challenged Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s declaration of January 23 as “World Betrayal Day,” insisting that February 23, 2019, is the real date that should be marked for betrayal.
Madaki, who represents Dala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the statement on Saturday via his Facebook page in vernacular language.
Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had earlier declared January 23 as “World Betrayal Day,” referring to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s resignation from the NNPP and his alleged move towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 23, 2026.
Addressing his supporters at his residence on Miller Road, Kano, Kwankwaso said the idea was inspired by social media users who described Governor Yusuf’s exit as an act of betrayal.
However, Madaki disagreed, arguing that the real betrayal took place much earlier.
He said, “Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has suggested that January 23, 2026 be designated as the International Day of Betrayal. However, in my view, February 23, 2019 is more fitting for this designation and should be recognized as the true International Day of Betrayal.”
Madaki accused Kwankwaso of manipulating the 2019 primary election to favour his own interests, alleging that the move was part of an arrangement with the APC at the time.
He further alleged that Kwankwaso betrayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the primary election, claiming that the campaign funds provided by Atiku were not shared as agreed.
Madaki added, “This is because, on February 23, 2019, Senator Kwankwaso disqualified and defeated candidates based on an arrangement he had made with the APC at the time. He also betrayed His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, and the election funds provided by the Waziri of Adamawa were not shared.”
He said that the funds were later released in small portions to calm the anger caused by the primary election defeat in Port Harcourt.
The declaration by Kwankwaso has sparked controversy across political circles in Kano, with APC supporters celebrating the defection as a major gain, while NNPP loyalists condemned it as betrayal that deepens political uncertainty.
Kano Times had earlier reported that Governor Yusuf announced his defection citing deepening internal crisis and leadership disputes within the NNPP.
Madaki’s remarks have now added another layer to the ongoing political controversy surrounding the defection and the alleged betrayal narrative in Kano politics.
