By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has been plunged into a fresh crisis following the expulsion of a federal lawmaker, a move that has exposed deep divisions and triggered an immediate factional war.
The expulsion according to source who spoke with Spear News in confidence, received the blessing of the party national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“In the context of Nigerian political parties, and especially a personality driven movement like the Kwankwasiyya within the NNPP, it is highly improbable that such a significant action—expelling a high profile federal lawmaker, would be taken without at least the tacit approval, if not the direct instruction, of the party’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“While the official statement from the party chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, is the public face of the action, it is almost certainly acting on the authority of Kwankwaso”, the source stated.
The Kano State chapter of the NNPP, led by chairman Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, yesterday announced the expulsion of Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, the member representing the Kiru/Bebeji constituency. The party accused him of “anti-party activities and failure to meet his financial obligations”.
Dungurawa said the decision followed Jibrin’s “repeated media outbursts against the party and its leadership”. He explained that a reconciliation committee was formed after an initial interview on Channels Television, but a subsequent media appearance proved the lawmaker had “crossed the line”.
“Instead of dialogue, he went further to work against our interest, openly declaring loyalty outside the party. That is why we expelled him. He has no value to add,” the chairman said.
Dungurawa dismissed Jibrin as a “weak politician” whose success was only due to the party. “If he was truly strong politically, he would have won his election under the APC, but he failed. It was when he joined NNPP through Kwankwasiyya that he became a House of Reps member,” he said. The chairman also vowed to take Jibrin to court to recover unpaid party dues.
In response, Jibrin issued a detailed official statement, calling his expulsion a “surprise and a rude shock”. He firmly defended his media appearances, stating, “I strongly believe the contents of the interview I granted few days ago in English and Hausa should not warrant such heavy penalty”. He added, “For the purpose of emphasis, I stand by all the statements I made in the interviews.”
Jibrin strongly criticised the party’s process, stating, “No invitation was extended to me to defend or explain myself by any organ of the party,” which he said neglected “the very important principle of fair hearing, due process and justice that the NNPP cry out loud and demand from others.” He noted that “even under military dictatorship, an accused is subjected to a court martial.”
Despite his objections, Jibrin said he accepted the decision but hinted at its legal weakness, stating he would have viewed it as “null and void” and challenged it in court were it not for his respect for the party. “I will rather wish the party well and go in peace. I beg the party to allow me also go in peace,” he wrote.
On the issue of dues, Jibrin said, “I am appealing to the party that there is no need to go to court as I have never refused to pay my dues. I respectfully request the party to send me the invoice and I will promptly pay.”
He concluded by signalling his departure, writing, “The party does not believe any body has political value and come short in treating people with the respect they deserve at various levels. This case is a clear instance.” He confirmed, “I will carefully weigh all the options before me as I decide on my next political home.”
Almost immediately, a rival faction of the Kano NNPP, led by Senator Jibrin Doguwa, rejected the expulsion. Doguwa, who insists he is the legitimate state chairman, declared the decision “null and void,” stating it was made without his faction’s consent. He defended Jibrin’s television appearances, arguing the lawmaker’s actions were not against the party’s interests.
This public disunity confirms the expulsion has ignited a fresh internal war within the party’s structure in its most critical state, casting severe doubt on its future stability.
Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin was formerly a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before defecting to the NNPP, through which he secured his return to the House of Representatives in the 2023 elections.
His expulsion comes amid heightened political speculation, particularly as he was seen in the State House, Abuja for a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The followed a recent meeting just weeks after the NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had himself visited the President at the Villa.
The lawmaker’s recent appearance on Channels Television further intensified the situation. During the interview, he openly expressed support for the APC-led administration and suggested a potential collaboration between President Tinubu and Senator Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general election. He also indicated his personal willingness to rejoin the APC.
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