ABUJA: The crisis rocking the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP deepened on Saturday as Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, formally announced his exit from the party following what he described as a “sudden and shocking” expulsion.
In a statement personally signed, Jibrin said he was surprised by the decision, arguing that the interview he granted recently in English and Hausa should not have attracted such a penalty since it aligned with the party’s founding principles of free expression and dissenting views.
“I stand by all the statements I made in the interviews. No invitation was extended to me to defend or explain myself, thereby neglecting the principle of fair hearing, due process and justice that the NNPP demands from others,” he said.
The Kano-born lawmaker stressed that the expulsion process ignored laid-down procedures, comparing it unfavorably to even military rule where an accused person is given a chance to defend themselves.
“Perhaps, if the appropriate processes were followed, the need for such a harsh decision to force me out of a party and family I love so dearly may not have been necessary,” he added.
Despite his displeasure, Jibrin said he had chosen to accept the NNPP’s decision in good faith, though he could have challenged it in court. “For the respect I have for the party, its members and leaders, I will rather wish the party well and go in peace. I beg the party to allow me also go in peace,” he stated.
On allegations of non-payment of dues, Jibrin dismissed the claims and urged the party to send him an invoice. “I have never refused to pay my dues. Once an invoice is sent, I will promptly settle it,” he affirmed.
Taking a swipe at the NNPP leadership, Jibrin accused the party of failing to value its members, saying he would now channel his political value “to where it will be appreciated with dignity rather than where no matter what you bring on board, you are a nobody.”
He thanked the NNPP and its supporters for their backing during his time in the party, while urging his loyalists to remain calm. “I hold no grudges against those who chose to remain in the NNPP. Relationship will continue irrespective of party affiliation,” he said.
Looking ahead to Kano politics and the 2027 elections, Jibrin hinted at joining a new political platform, saying: “I will carefully weigh all the options before me as I decide on my next political home. So help me God.”
His exit marks another twist in the ongoing NNPP crisis, which has pitted loyalists of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso against the party’s national leadership, threatening the party’s chances in Kano—its traditional stronghold—ahead of the 2027 governorship and general elections.
