Thirteen members of Nigeria's House of Representatives elected under the New Nigeria People's Party have strongly denied circulating rumors about their planned defection to other political parties. The lawmakers, all associated with the influential Kwankwasiya movement in Kano State, addressed these claims during a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, November 14, 2025.
Lawmakers Dismiss Defection Claims as False
Led by Honorable Garba Diso, the parliamentary group described the reports suggesting their imminent departure from NNPP as "false and malicious" propaganda. Their public denial comes just one day after two fellow NNPP lawmakers from Kano – Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin and Hon. Sagir Koki – officially crossed over to the ruling All Progressives Congress during the House's resumed plenary session.
Despite these high-profile defections within their party, the thirteen representatives emphasized their unwavering commitment to both NNPP and the Kwankwasiya Movement's political ideology. Hon. Diso characterized the rumors as the handiwork of political opponents threatened by the growing influence and unity within the NNPP and Kwankwasiya political family.
Cross-Party Interactions Misinterpreted
The lawmakers clarified that their professional interactions with colleagues across party lines should not be misconstrued as disloyalty or indication of planned defection. They explained that such engagements represent normal parliamentary practice aimed at fostering bipartisan cooperation for national development rather than signaling political realignment.
"We remain steadfast in our allegiance to the NNPP and the Kwankwasiya ideology, which stands for justice, equity, inclusiveness, and people-centered governance," Diso stated emphatically during the press conference. "No amount of misinformation will shake our faith in the movement or its leadership."
Recent Defections and Mass Movement
The political landscape has witnessed significant movement in recent days, with Legit.ng reporting that Kano Municipal Federal Constituency representative Sagir Ibrahim Koki formally resigned from NNPP on Wednesday, November 12. His resignation letter circulated widely on social media platforms, generating substantial reactions from political observers and the public.
In a broader development that underscores the shifting political allegiances, approximately 650 NNPP members across Gobirawa Ward in Dala, Fagge, and Ungoggo local government areas of Kano State recently decamped to the APC. The mass defection was formally received by Rabiu Bichi, Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jama'are River Basin Development Authority, who described the movement as evidence of growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu's leadership.
Despite these developments, the thirteen NNPP representatives concluded their press conference by reaffirming their dedication to promoting effective governance, quality education, accessible healthcare, youth empowerment, and improved living standards for all Nigerians. "We stand firm, united, and loyal to the NNPP, to the Kwankwasiya Movement, and to the people we serve," Diso declared, putting speculation to rest.
