A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has hinted at the possibility of returning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), months after helping the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) secure a historic victory in Kano State.
Jibrin, who currently represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, spoke to State House correspondents on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
When asked directly if he was planning to defect to the APC, Jibrin responded cautiously, leaving the door open.
I do not think it is time for that conversation, but everything is open and it’s a possibility,” he said.
“The most important thing is the stability of the country; the unity of the country. And I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
He described his visit as unsurprising, citing the long-standing relationship between President Tinubu and the NNPP national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“I came to see Mr. President, and, of course, the long-term friendship that the President has also enjoyed with the national leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. So I do not think it’s anything surprising to see me here, to greet him, check on him, and also discuss some national issues in the interest of the people,” Jibrin explained.
Fielding further questions, Jibrin dismissed suggestions that his visit was unusual, especially in light of recent tensions between the NNPP and the Presidency.
Kwankwaso had recently criticised the Tinubu administration for allegedly marginalising the North in infrastructure projects.
“Well, both of them are very experienced politicians,” Jibrin said. “The President is a first-class politician, and of course, the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician. I believe that both of them are committed to the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.”
On the performance of the Tinubu administration so far, Jibrin urged for a balanced assessment.
“Every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can decide to see the cup half full or half empty. You can say, ‘You’ve done well, but there’s more to do.’ Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and such opinions can deepen public discourse, sometimes even turning out to be a blessing in disguise,” he said.
A former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations in the 8th Assembly, Jibrin defected from the APC to the NNPP in the build-up to the 2023 elections. He emerged as one of Kwankwaso’s closest political allies and played a pivotal role in the party’s sweeping success in Kano.
