Jibrin Breaks Silence On Dumping Kwankwaso For Tinubu: “It Wasn’t Betrayal

A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has defended his decision to support President Bola Tinubu instead of his former political ally and mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, insisting that his actions should not be interpreted as betrayal.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, the lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State maintained that he has no regrets backing Tinubu and stressed that he still holds Kwankwaso in high esteem despite their political differences.

According to reports monitored by Ireporter Online, Jibrin explained that he never abandoned Kwankwaso, noting that he was instead expelled from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He described the former Kano State governor as his political benefactor and mentor, adding that he would continue to respect him regardless of their divergent political paths.

Jibrin stated that he has deliberately avoided engaging in public criticism of leaders he once worked with, including President Tinubu, even during periods of political disagreement. Reflecting on the 2022 political season when he temporarily distanced himself from Tinubu’s campaign structure, the lawmaker said he focused solely on supporting another candidate without launching attacks against the current president.

He stressed that refraining from public confrontations with former allies is part of his political principles and personal character.

The federal lawmaker also commented on the political atmosphere in Kano State, commending Governor Abba Yusuf for what he described as efforts that have strengthened the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Jibrin, who previously served as spokesperson for Kwankwaso’s 2023 presidential campaign, later returned to the APC following his fallout with the NNPP. He was reportedly expelled from the opposition party in 2025 over allegations of anti-party activities and has since emerged as one of the outspoken supporters of Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.