Thirteen members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the House of Representatives have denied reports suggesting they are planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their reaction followed the defection of two Kano lawmakers — Abdulmumin Jibrin (Kiru/Bebeji) and Sagir Koki (Kano Municipal) — who announced their move to the APC on Thursday. The development triggered rumours that more NNPP lawmakers in the green chamber were preparing to dump the party.
But in a joint statement yesterday, the 13 lawmakers described the reports as false, saying they remain committed to the NNPP and loyal to the Kwankwasiyya Movement led by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election.
“We wish to categorically debunk these unfounded rumours and urge the general public, our supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians to disregard such misleading claims,” the lawmakers said.
“These rumours are nothing but the handiwork of political detractors who are threatened by the growing influence, unity, and resilience of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya family, particularly in Kano State and across Nigeria.”
The lawmakers added that their engagements with colleagues from other political parties should not be misinterpreted as an indication of disloyalty.
“Let it be clearly understood that, as lawmakers, our constitutional responsibilities demand constructive engagement with colleagues across party lines in the interest of national development,” they said. “Our interactions with members of other political parties should not be misconstrued as disloyalty or an indication of defection.”
They said they remain committed to the party’s ideology, which they described as one rooted in justice, equity and people-centred governance.
“We remain steadfast in our allegiance to the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya ideology. No amount of misinformation or propaganda will shake our faith in the movement or in the leadership,” they added.
The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting quality education, accessible healthcare, youth empowerment and improved living standards for Nigerians.
Those who signed the statement include Garba Diso, Ghali Tijjani, Rabi’u Yusuf, Abdulhakeem Ado, Hassan Danjuma, Muhammad Shehu, Datti Yusuf, Sani Wakili, DanKawu Idris, Tijjani Jobe, Hassan Hussain, Mukhtar Yarima, and Muhammed Chiroma.
