Kano lawmaker says party failed to follow due process before removing him over anti-party activities.
Abuja, Nigeria – House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin has accepted his expulsion from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), though he’s not exactly happy about how it went down. The Kiru/Bebeji representative got the boot over what the party calls anti-party activities and unpaid dues.
Jibrin’s Take on Getting Kicked Out
Saturday evening, Jibrin put out a statement that basically said “fine, I’ll go”, but not without some pointed words about the process. You can almost feel the frustration between the lines as the Kiru/Bebeji lawmaker tried to maintain his dignity while calling out what he sees as unfair treatment.
“While I would have loved to stay in the NNPP and continue my service to our people and country despite differences on some issues, the party has made and announced a decision,” Jibrin wrote. “I am therefore obliged to accept the decision of the party in good faith and without grudges.”
Reading between the lines here, that’s politician-speak for “this is garbage, but I’m taking the high road.” He even mentioned he could’ve taken them to court but chose not to. Classy move, or missed opportunity? Depends on who you ask.
The Charges (And Why Jibrin Says They’re Bogus)
So what exactly did Jibrin allegedly do wrong? The NNPP points to two things: anti-party activities and skipping out on membership dues. But here’s where it gets interesting, Jibrin isn’t buying either accusation.
On the money issue, his response was pretty direct: “I respectfully request that the party send me the invoice, and I will promptly pay.” Translation: “Show me the receipts.” Either the party never actually sent him a bill, or there’s some serious communication breakdown happening here.
As for the anti-party activities? Jibrin seems to think this stems from some recent interviews he gave. Whatever he said apparently didn’t sit well with party leadership. But he’s standing by his words: “For the purpose of emphasis, I stand by all the statements I made in the interviews.”
How We Got Here
Jibrin wasn’t just some random party member, he’s been tight with Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NNPP big boss, for years. Losing someone with his legislative experience and Kano connections? That’s got to sting for the opposition party.
The timing appears particularly awkward given the ongoing tensions within the NNPP. Internal party drama isn’t exactly rare in Nigerian politics, but this expulsion might signal deeper problems than usual. When you’re kicking out allies of your own leader, something’s clearly not working behind closed doors.
What’s Next for Jibrin?
Here’s where Jibrin showed some real political savvy. Instead of burning bridges, he’s keeping things cordial, at least publicly. “I welcome all my supporters who wish to join me in my new journey. But for those who chose to remain in NNPP, I hold no grudges against them,” he said.
Smart move. In Nigerian politics, today’s enemy could be tomorrow’s coalition partner.
Jibrin says he’ll “carefully weigh all the options” for his next political home. That probably means his phone’s been ringing off the hook with offers from other parties. An experienced legislator with Kano influence? Yeah, someone’s going to want him.
The Bigger Picture
This whole mess might tell us more about the NNPP’s internal health than they’d like to admit. When you’re expelling prominent members, especially ones connected to your leader, it suggests the party machinery isn’t running as smoothly as it should be.
Some political watchers think this reflects broader challenges facing opposition parties as they gear up for 2027. Can’t exactly present a united front when you’re publicly booting your own people.
Jibrin did make one final request that probably stung: he asked the NNPP to avoid “personal attacks or throwing abuses and insults as we part ways.” The fact that he felt the need to say that tells you something about how these things usually go in Nigerian politics.
