The New Nigeria Peoples Party has been thrown into fresh crisis following the expulsion of the lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin.
The move, announced by a faction loyal to former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has sparked division within the party.
Chairman of the Kwankwasiyya-led faction, Hashim Dungurawa, accused Jibrin of anti-party activities and failing to pay mandatory dues.
But in a swift reaction on Sunday, another factional chairman of the party in Kano, Jibrin Doguwa, dismissed the action and insisted he remained the legitimate leader of the NNPP in the state.
“I am the legitimate chairman of the party. This decision was made without our consent, so it has no effect,” he said.
Doguwa further defended Jibrin’s recent controversial television interview, maintaining that the lawmaker had not acted against the interest of the party.
“What Kofa said was not anti-party. Every politician has the right to move from one platform to another. Even President Bola Tinubu changed parties before becoming who he is today,” Doguwa argued.
He accused Dungurawa of exceeding his authority and warned that legal action could follow if such expulsions persisted.
“If Dungurawa does not stop this illegality, we will meet him in court,” he added.
Jibrin’s expulsion came just days after he hinted that he might dump the NNPP.
“Anything can happen. I can leave NNPP, I can stay, and I can also return to APC, PDP, ADC, PRP, or anywhere I want.
“When I make decisions regarding that, people will know. It’s not surprising I did, and I told you, I am old enough to decide for myself,” Jibrin said on Channels TV.