By Sabiu Abdullahi
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has dismissed the purported expulsion of Abdulmumin Jibrin, the lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, describing the decision as null and void.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s National Secretary, Oginni Sunday, said the announcement had no basis and was unauthorised.
He explained that the expulsion was announced by Hashim Dungurawa, a former state chairman who had earlier been removed from the party.
Describing the action as a “joke taken too far,” Sunday questioned how someone who is no longer a member could claim authority to expel a sitting legislator.
Citing an April 2, 2025 judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court and a ruling from an Abia State High Court, Sunday maintained that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, along with others including Dungurawa, had already been expelled from the NNPP and therefore lacked the legal standing to act on the party’s affairs.
According to him, Jibrin’s decision not to align with Kwankwaso’s faction provoked the Kwankwasiyya movement, which allegedly tried to weaken his political relevance in retaliation.
Sunday also cautioned that Governor Abba Yusuf’s loyalty to Kwankwaso could endanger the NNPP’s control of Kano State in the 2027 governorship election.
He said, “One of the smartest ways for Yusuf to secure a win in Kano in 2027 is to travel to Lagos and tender an apology to the party’s founder and leadership.”
Jibrin, who previously served as the Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group and played a significant role in fostering ties between the APC and the NNPP, was accused by the Kano State chapter of engaging in anti-party activities and defaulting on financial obligations.
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, Jibrin said he received the news of his removal as “a rude shock,” insisting that the interview he granted in English and Hausa, which the party cited as evidence, was in line with NNPP’s principles.
He added, “I strongly believe the contents of the interview should not warrant such a heavy penalty.
“No invitation was extended to me to defend myself before any organ of the party. Even under a military dictatorship, an accused is subjected to a court-martial.”
On the allegation that he had not paid his dues, the lawmaker rejected the claim and challenged the party to issue him an invoice, promising to pay once it is presented.
He further criticised the NNPP’s leadership, saying, “The party does not believe anybody has political value or deserves respect at various levels.”