NNPP lawmakers deny defection rumors, reaffirm loyalty to Kwankwaso

In response to the defection of two of its members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) caucus in the House of Representatives has firmly dismissed speculation of a wider exodus.

The caucus emerged from an emergency meeting to describe the rumors as “baseless and mischievous,” attributing them to political opponents threatened by the NNPP’s growing influence and unity, particularly in Kano State.

This statement follows the official defection of two NNPP lawmakers,  Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin (Kiru/Bebeji) and Hon. Sagir Koki (Kano Municipal) joining the ruling APC.

However, addressing journalists, the caucus spokesperson, Hon. Garba Diso, insisted that the remaining members are united and firmly loyal to the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and his Kwankwasiya Movement.

“We reaffirm our total and unwavering loyalty to our party and its visionary leadership,” the caucus declared in a collective statement.

They clarified that their routine bipartisan engagements, a normal part of legislative work, should not be misconstrued as political disloyalty or a sign of impending defection.

The lawmakers emphasized their steadfast commitment to the principles of the Kwankwasiya ideology, which they described as standing for “justice, equity, inclusiveness, and people-centred governance.”

They pledged to continue advocating for effective governance, quality education, accessible healthcare, youth empowerment, and improved living standards for all Nigerians, asserting that “no amount of misinformation or propaganda will shake our faith.”

The statement was signed by twelve NNPP members, including Hon. Dr Ghali Mustapha Tijjani, Hon. Rabi’u Yusuf, and others.

The caucus show of unity came just moments after the defection of Jibrin and Koki to the APC was formally announced in the House.

Their move was witnessed by prominent APC figures, underscoring the political significance of the event.

Attendees included the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; and the party’s current and former national chairmen.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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