Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jibrin is an ally of Rabiu Kwankwaso, presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in 2023 and a former governor of Kano.
His return to the APC comes two months after he was expelled from the NNPP over alleged anti-party activities and non-payment of membership dues.
Reacting to his suspension at the time, the federal lawmaker described the decision as “shocking and unjustified,” insisting that the reasons given by the NNPP were flimsy.
“The interview I granted in both English and Hausa, which the party cited as the basis for my suspension, did not warrant such a heavy penalty,” he said. “The NNPP violated the principles of fair hearing and due process. I was expelled without being given an opportunity to defend myself.”
Despite describing his expulsion as unfair, Jibrin stated that he had accepted the party’s decision in good faith and would not seek legal redress.
“I have accepted the decision in good faith. I will not challenge it in court,” he said, adding that he had never defaulted in the payment of his dues as alleged.
Jibrin has been mum about his political future, with his close ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fuelling speculation that he was on his way back to the APC.
In a statement on Monday, the lawmaker confirmed his defection and declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
He said he was received by thousands of supporters in his hometown of Kofa, Bebeji LGA of Kano state, where he formally announced his decision to leave the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
“In a show of solidarity, I was warmly received by thousands of my constituents in my hometown of Kofa, Bebeji, Kano,” he said.
“The gathering resolved to leave the NNPP/Kwankwasiyya, join the APC, and endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a second term in office.”
Jibrin said the event was attended by more than 2,000 Islamic clerics who offered special prayers for the president and for peace and development in Kiru/Bebeji, Kano, and Nigeria at large.
“Earlier, about 2,000 Ulamas from my constituency offered special prayers for the President and peaceful coexistence, progress, and development of Kiru/Bebeji, Kano, and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Jibrin once served as director-general of Tinubu Support Groups. He left APC for NNPP in 2022.
How do you think the lawmaker’s move will affect the Kwankwasiya movement ahead of the 2027 election?
