Rep. Kabiru Rurum Dismisses Suspension by NNPP Kano, Calls It “Baseless” and “Contempt of Court”
Kano, Nigeria – Rep. Kabiru Rurum, who represents the Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has dismissed the suspension imposed on him by the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), calling it “baseless” and a violation of court rulings.
In a statement to the press in Kano on Monday, Rurum vehemently rejected the suspension, insisting that he remains a valid member of the party. He argued that the suspension was issued in contempt of a court ruling that nullified the claims made against him and his colleagues. According to Rurum, the case involving his suspension is still pending in an Abia High Court, which has yet to deliver a verdict.
“I remain a member of NNPP,” Rurum declared. “The suspension is without merit and a violation of legal judgments. This action was taken in complete disregard for the court’s position.”
Rurum, who is among four National Assembly members suspended by the Kano NNPP chapter for alleged anti-party activities, also pointed out that he and other suspended members belong to a different faction within the party. The lawmaker accused the Kano NNPP leadership of operating illegitimately and disregarding the rule of law.
Allegations Against NNPP Leadership
Rurum further accused the NNPP’s national leader, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other key party executives of deliberately snubbing the wedding of Sen. Kawu Sumaila’s daughter, a fellow suspended lawmaker, as a political maneuver. Sumaila, a prominent NNPP member and a close associate of Rurum, was also affected by the suspension.
He contended that the suspension held no authority beyond the faction that imposed it, asserting that his group operates independently and remains unaffected by the party’s decision.
Escalating Division Within NNPP
This latest development further deepens the division within the NNPP, as rival factions intensify their political and legal disputes. The suspensions of Rurum, Kawu Sumaila, Ali Gini, and Sani Rogo underscore the growing rift between party members, as accusations of anti-party activities continue to surface.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by the NNPP, which has struggled with internal conflicts and leadership disputes. Political observers suggest that the ongoing tensions could have significant implications for the party’s cohesion and its influence in future elections.
Legal and Political Implications
As the legal case against the suspended members continues in the courts, the fate of the NNPP’s internal leadership remains uncertain. With the suspension of prominent lawmakers such as Rurum and Sumaila, the party faces a critical juncture in addressing its internal divisions and political future.
