Abdulmumin Jibrin

In a surprising turn of events, Abdulmumin Jibrin, a prominent House of Representatives member for Kiru/Bebeji constituency, has accepted his expulsion from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). The announcement, reported by Vanguard Newspapers on X late last night (September 6, 2025), has sparked heated debates about internal party democracy and political maneuvering in Nigeria’s ever-shifting political landscape.

The Expulsion: A Lack of Fair Hearing?
According to the Vanguard post, Jibrin acknowledged his ousting but raised concerns about the process, claiming he was denied a fair hearing. Under Section 36 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, every individual is entitled to a fair trial or hearing before any decision affecting their rights is made. Jibrin’s assertion suggests a potential breach of this fundamental right within the NNPP, a party that has been making waves in recent elections. This raises questions about whether the expulsion was a rushed decision or a calculated move by party leadership.

What Led to the Fallout?
Context from Channels Television and other sources reveals that Jibrin’s expulsion was triggered by alleged anti-party activities, including repeated media outbursts against the NNPP leadership. The party’s Kano State Chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, accused Jibrin of undermining the party’s interests and failing to meet financial obligations. Dungurawa went further, labeling Jibrin a “weak politician” whose electoral success hinged on the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP platform—implying his achievements were less about personal strength and more about riding the coattails of party support.

This tension escalated after Jibrin hinted at a possible return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he previously represented before joining NNPP. His comments, made just 24 hours before the expulsion, seem to have been the final straw for NNPP leaders, who are now bracing for potential political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A Strategic Defection or Personal Ambition?
Jibrin’s case fits a broader pattern of political defections in Nigeria, where party-switching often reflects personal ambition rather than ideological differences. A 2021 study from the Journal of African Elections noted that such moves are frequently driven by the pursuit of power or better electoral platforms, a trend that seems to echo here. With speculations of a return to APC, Jibrin’s expulsion might be less about principle and more about positioning himself for future political battles.

The NNPP, meanwhile, appears unfazed. Dungurawa emphasized that the party’s strength lies in its coalition, particularly the Kwankwasiyya movement led by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, suggesting Jibrin’s departure won’t dent their momentum.

What’s Next for Nigerian Politics?
This development comes at a critical time as parties gear up for the 2027 elections. The NNPP’s call for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to update party leadership records—reported earlier this year—underscores the stakes involved. With leadership disputes and defections on the rise, the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process hangs in the balance.

For now, Jibrin’s next move remains uncertain. Will he rejoin the APC, as speculated, or carve a new path? One thing is clear: this saga is a reminder of the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where loyalty can shift as quickly as the political winds.

What are your thoughts on this expulsion? Do you think Jibrin was unfairly treated, or was this a necessary step for the NNPP? Share your views in the comments below!