NNPP Nullifies Expulsion of Federal Lawmaker Abdulmumin Jibrin, Declares Action “Null and Void”

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has officially nullified the controversial expulsion of Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, the federal lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State. The party’s national leadership has declared the action as having no legal foundation and dismissed it as an overreach by individuals lacking proper authority within the party structure.

Party Leadership Rejects Expulsion Decision

The National Secretary of the NNPP, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, issued a comprehensive statement on Saturday in Abeokuta, categorically rejecting the purported expulsion of Hon. Jibrin. According to Oginni, the expulsion was announced by Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, who was identified as an expelled State Chairman of the NNPP, raising immediate questions about the legitimacy of the action.

The party’s national leadership emphasized that the expulsion lacks any legal or constitutional basis within the party’s framework. Oginni described the move as “a joke taken too far,” highlighting the absurdity of an expelled member attempting to take disciplinary action against a sitting federal lawmaker. The statement underscored that proper party procedures were completely bypassed in what appears to be a politically motivated action.

The NNPP’s swift response demonstrates the party’s commitment to protecting its legitimate members from what it characterizes as unauthorized actions by individuals who no longer hold valid positions within the party hierarchy. This decisive stance aims to prevent further confusion about the party’s official position on the matter.

Court Rulings Support NNPP’s Position

Central to the NNPP’s rejection of the expulsion is the existence of multiple court judgments that have already determined the status of key individuals involved in the controversy. Oginni specifically referenced the FCT High Court judgment of April 3, 2025, and an Abia State High Court ruling that confirmed the expulsion of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and others, including Dungurawa himself.

These judicial pronouncements form the legal foundation for the party’s argument that Dungurawa lacks the “locus standi” or legal standing to make any decisions regarding NNPP matters. The court rulings effectively stripped these individuals of their party membership and positions, making any subsequent actions they take on behalf of the party legally invalid and without merit.

The reliance on court judgments demonstrates the NNPP’s commitment to following due process and respecting judicial authority in resolving internal party disputes. By invoking these legal precedents, the party leadership has provided a solid legal framework for dismissing the expulsion attempt and protecting Hon. Jibrin’s membership status.

Internal Power Struggle and Political Maneuvering

The NNPP leadership has characterized the expulsion attempt as part of a broader internal power struggle within the party, particularly involving Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s faction. According to Oginni’s statement, the move against Hon. Jibrin stems from frustration within the “Kwankwasia group” following failed attempts to influence President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and potential defection plans to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party secretary suggested that Senator Kwankwaso’s political confusion and indecision have created tension within the party ranks. Oginni alleged that Kwankwaso’s unsuccessful efforts to secure concessions from the federal government before considering a move to the APC have led to internal recriminations and attempts to target perceived opponents within the party.

The targeting of Hon. Jibrin is presented as retaliation for his independent decision-making at a time when other party leaders remain uncertain about their political direction. This internal conflict highlights the broader challenges facing the NNPP as it navigates complex political alignments and prepares for future electoral contests, particularly the crucial 2027 elections.

Implications for Kano State Politics

The controversy surrounding Hon. Jibrin’s expulsion has significant implications for NNPP’s political fortunes in Kano State, one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states. Oginni specifically warned about the potential consequences of ongoing internal conflicts for the party’s prospects in the 2027 governorship election, suggesting that continued infighting could jeopardize the party’s hold on the state.

The statement highlighted concerns about Governor Abba Yusuf’s “blind loyalty” to Senator Kwankwaso, warning that such allegiance could prove counterproductive to the party’s electoral ambitions. The NNPP leadership appears concerned that personal loyalties within the Kano political establishment could override broader party interests and strategic considerations.

This warning reflects the high stakes involved in maintaining unity within the NNPP’s Kano chapter, given the state’s electoral importance and the party’s current control of the governorship. The leadership’s public admonition suggests deep concerns about the sustainability of current political arrangements and the need for strategic realignments to ensure electoral success.

Call for Reconciliation and Party Unity

In concluding his statement, Oginni made a specific call for reconciliation within the party, particularly targeting Governor Abba Yusuf’s relationship with the party’s national leadership. The NNPP National Secretary suggested that one of the “smartest ways” for Governor Yusuf to ensure his electoral success in 2027 would be to “head to Lagos and apologise to the founder and leadership of the NNPP.”

This call for reconciliation indicates the existence of significant tensions between the Kano State chapter of the party and its national leadership, possibly centered in Lagos. The reference to apologizing to the “founder and leadership” suggests that the current crisis involves fundamental disagreements about the party’s direction and leadership structure.

The emphasis on reconciliation as a pathway to electoral success in 2027 demonstrates the party leadership’s pragmatic approach to resolving internal conflicts. By framing reconciliation in terms of electoral advantage rather than mere party discipline, the NNPP appears to be appealing to the practical political interests of key stakeholders while working to restore party unity and coherence ahead of crucial upcoming elections.