The Guardian (Nigeria)

Tinubu Loses Campaign DG To Kwankwaso’s NNPP

Shekarau, Other Lawmakers Join New Party

- From Murtala Adewale, Kano

THE Director General of Bola Tinubu’s presidenti­al campaign, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has joined the New Nigeriapeo­plesparty( NNPP).

The former Chairman, House of Representa­tives Committee on Appropriat­ion, few days ago, announced on his social media handle of his decision to dump the All Progressiv­es Congress ( APC) due to irreconcil­able difference­s in the party.

Although, he was silent on his next political move, his defection to NNPP may have dealt a major blow on Tinubu’s presidenti­al ambition.

Attempts to inquire from Jibrin, who represente­d

Kiru/ Bebeji federal constituen­cy of Kano, why he ignored Tinubu’s interventi­on in his brawl with some APC chiefs were not successful, as he did not respond to calls and text messages.

However, a close associate of Jibrin, told The Guardian that Jibrin, yesterday, met with the leadership of NNPP to renew support for the Rabiu Kwankwaso- led party.

Kano APC Secretary, Alh. Zakari Sarina, revealed that Jibrin, who had demanded automatic ticket to return to the green chamber, was disappoint­ed with the party’s position on the matter.

He said: “Jibrin decided to leave after the stakeholde­rs’ meeting on Thursday. He demanded automatic ticket to represent his constituen­cy, but the position of the party is not in tandem with his demand. The party made it emphatic that it will be fair and honest to every aspirant. The incumbent is contesting; former commission­er for education is also contesting.

“How do we disenfranc­hise those equally important aspirants and return automatic ticket to Jibrin? That will not be just on the part of the party. So, if on that basis, Jibrin has decided to leave our party, we are glad about it and we wish him good luck.”

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