A member of the House of Representatives representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has said he is open to returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jibrin, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and close ally of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, made this known on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
When asked by journalists whether he was planning to defect to the APC, the lawmaker said: “I do not think it is time for that conversation, but everything is open, and it’s a possibility.
“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.”
Jibrin explained that his visit to the Villa should not raise eyebrows, noting that President Tinubu and Senator Kwankwaso share a long-standing relationship.
“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,” he said.
On whether his visit was part of efforts to mend ties between the presidency and the NNPP leader amid recent political tensions, Jibrin said both men were seasoned politicians committed to Nigeria’s development.
“Both of them are very experienced politicians. The President is a first-class politician. The national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician, and I believe that both of them are committed to the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria,” he added.
Speaking on the performance of the Tinubu administration so far, Jibrin called for a fair and 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 assess someone and say, ‘You’ve done well, but there’s still much to be done.’ There are many ways to do an assessment,” he said.
