By Muhammad Mamman
The leadership tussle within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) took a dramatic turn on Friday as the factional chairman in Kano, Senator Jibrin Doguwa, dismissed the expulsion of lawmaker Abdulmumin Jibrin, branding it an “illegal act” devoid of legitimacy.
Doguwa, speaking exclusively to Saturday PUNCH just hours after a rival camp loyal to former governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso announced Jibrin’s removal, declared the decision “null and void.”
Hashim Dungurawa, chairman of the Kwankwasiyya-led faction, had earlier accused Jibrin of anti-party activities and non-payment of mandatory dues. But Doguwa countered sharply:
“I am the legitimate chairman of the party. This decision was made without our consent, so it carries no effect.”
He also defended Jibrin’s recent controversial television appearance, insisting the remarks were not against the party’s interests.
“What Kofa said was not anti-party. Every politician has the right to move from one platform to another. Even President Bola Tinubu switched parties before becoming who he is today,” Doguwa argued.
The factional leader accused Dungurawa of overstepping his authority and warned of impending legal action if what he described as “illegality” persisted.
“If Dungurawa does not stop this illegality, we will meet him in court,” he warned.
The latest row underscores widening fractures within the NNPP, which has been riven by leadership disputes since the 2023 general elections.
Jibrin, a former APC stalwart and ex-Director-General of the Tinubu Support Groups, defected to the NNPP in 2022 under the Kwankwasiyya movement. However, his recent comments hinting at a possible exit have intensified speculation over his next political move.
